Voyage en Syrie et en Égypte

by C.F. Volney

Voyage en Syrie et en Égypte
Title page from Voyage en Syrie et en Égypte, volume one, George Wythe Collection, Wolf Law Library, College of William & Mary.
Author	C.F. Volney
Editor	{{{editor}}}
Translator	{{{trans}}}
Published	Paris: Volland [et] Desenne, 1787
Date	1787
Edition	1st
Language	French
Volumes	2 volume set
Pages	{{{pages}}}
Desc.	{{{desc}}}
Location	[[Shelf {{{shelf}}}]]
	[[Shelf {{{shelf2}}}]]

Constantin-François de Chasseboeuf, count de Volney (1757-1820) was a French historian and philosopher who epitomized the rationalist historical and political thought of the eighteenth century. Volney traveled through Egypt and Syria and upon his return to France compiled his notes and wrote Voyage en Syrie et en Égypte (Travels through Egypt and Syria) in 1787. The book chronicled his experiences abroad as he learned about the cultures, history, and languages of the areas he visited. The book “made him famous throughout Europe and Thomas Jefferson purchased it in its second edition soon after publication.” Volney met Jefferson, who appreciated Volney’s views on enlightenment principles, while the latter lived in Paris as minister to France. They corresponded when Jefferson returned to America and continued to write each other on topics such as politics and science.

Bookplate from front paste down, volume two.

Description of the Wolf Law Library's copy

Bound in quarter calf and marbled paper over boards with spines gilt, contrasting labels of red and green in the second and third compartments. Contains two maps and engraved bookplates in each volume. Purchased from Wessel & Lieberman Booksellers.

View this book in William & Mary's online catalog.

Map of Syria, volume one.

External Links

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