8vo. Volume I: v, 328 pp., 1 engraved folding map, 1 engraved folding plan, 2 engraved folding plates / Volume II: 359 pp., 2 engraved folding maps, half-titles, later blue marble boards, title gilt on smooth spine, red title pieces, plates lithographed by G. Engelmann, covers slightly rubbed round edges, scattered foxing, otherwise set in good general condition, Brissot-Thivars, Libraire, Paris, first edition, 1824.

Synopsis

A rare work by a French military officer who travelled to Yemen at the end of the 18th century. It is not clear what was the reason for Captain Péron’s travel, but it seems that he accomplished the mission most probably under the orders of the French government. In January 1787, Péron travelled through Bab-el-Mandeb into the Red Sea to Mocha in Yemen. He described in detail the city, before he proceeded through the desert passing by small villages and describing the houses that were built by logs of wood and branches of trees. His destination was the city of Zebid, the old capital of Yemen, and the centre of the trade in the country.
He gives a description of the architect of the city and its great mosque and also a detailed account of the economic situation including the production of silk and cotton. Much of the material discusses the coffee trade in Yemen, and Bet el Fakri as the centre of the trade in this commodity. Captain Péron stayed in Yemen until the 25 June, when he considered the purpose of his mission was accomplished. The text was edited by L.S. Brissot-Thivars from the original manuscript of the author.
Bibliographic references: Golin 61001; Ferguson 980; Hill 230; Gay 272; Brunet 19997; Sabin 61001; Streeter 3513.