Israel Joseph Benjamin. Eight Years in Asia and Africa from 1846 to 1855.

AUCTION 76 | Thursday, June 14th, 2018 at 3:00 PM

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Ceremonial & Graphic Art

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Lot 255

(TRAVEL)

Israel Joseph Benjamin. Eight Years in Asia and Africa from 1846 to 1855.

<<First edition in English.>> At conclusion, <<rare folding map of author’s travels>> through Asia and Africa. Final page records the list of subscribers in Bombay. pp. xv, 332, (4). Foxed and stained, some wear to map. Contemporary half-calf, rubbed. 8vo.

Hanover: By the Author 1859

Est: $500 - $700

PRICE REALIZED $1,000

In emulation of the medieval Spanish traveler Benjamin of Tudela, the self-styled Benjamin II, Israel Joseph Benjamin, a native of Foltitscheny, Moldavia, recorded his travels through Egypt, Eretz Israel, Syria, Armenia, Iraq, Kurdistan, Persia, India, and China. He returned to Europe via Afghanistan, reaching Vienna in the year 1851, only to set out again on another voyage from Italy to North Africa. Benjamin died in London in abject poverty while making preparations for a further journey to the Orient. See EJ, Vol. IV, cols. 526-7.