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

AUCTION 58 | Thursday, May 02nd, 2013 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts and Autograph Letters

Back to Catalogue Download Catalogue

<Previous Lot

/393

Next Lot>

Lot 279

(TRAVEL).

Benjamin, Israel Joseph. 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, (1). Ex-library, inner hinge starting, map with tears at folds. Modern boards. 8vo. Freimann, p. 166.

Hanover: By the Author 1859

Est: $1,000 - $1,500

PRICE REALIZED $900

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.