Comprehending a Visit to the Burman Empire, and a Journey through Persia, Asia Minor, European Turkey, &c. In the years 1825-26.

Alexander, James Edward

London: Parbury, Allen and Co.,1827, First Edition. Quarto – 28.8cm. [xv], (2), 301, (1) pp., Errata at rear, half-title in place, lithographic portrait frontispiece printed on India paper and mounted, 5 hand-coloured aquatints, 9 lithographic plates and 2 lithographic maps, 7 pages of vignettes at the rear, pages un-cut and several pages are un-trimmed Tastefully executed recent ¾ anthracite green calf on marble boards; spine with gilt titles, five raised bands and gilt decorative device in compartments. Complete and in Near Fine condition. Scarce.

Alexander was a career officer in the British Army, and he was knighted in 1838. This is an account of the government of India mission to the Court of Tehran. It includes sketches of the natural history, manners, and customs of the countries visited, and an account of the late military operations in Ava is given. The present work gives a full account of Alexander’s services to this point and includes a “Chronological Epitome of the late Military Operations in Ava” and a “Summary of the Causes and Events of the existing War between Russia and Persia”. Subsequently Alexander’s career took him to the Balkans during the Russo-Turkish War of 1829; to Portugal during the Miguelite War of 1832-4; South Africa in the Frontier War of 1835; from 1847-55 he was in Canada as a-d-c to the commander of the troops, and in 1856 joined his regiment in the Crimea. In retirement he was responsible for saving “Cleopatra’s Needle from destruction, and had much to do with its transfer to England in 1877. At its base he buried, among other artifacts, photographs of the twelve best-looking English women of the day.” Abbey, Travel 520; Bruce 4420; Tooley 17.

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