inscribed presentation copy

Presentation copy, inscribed by the author to 'Albert Hutton Esq., from his affectionate friend, G Melly' on the upper margin of the title page volume one. A 'Journal kept by Melly during a tour in Egypt and Nubia, undertaken in company with other members of his family' (Preface). The tour was occasioned by his father, André, a keen entomologist, who wished to collect insects along the route. André died of fever on the journey.

George Melly (1830-1894) was an English merchant, ship owner and Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1868 and 1875 as the member for Stoke-on-Trent.

First edition, 2 volumes, 8vo, xii, 305; ix, 309 pp., 26 pages ads end of vol. i, 8 pages ads dated October 1st 1851 vol. ii, original purple cloth, spines faded to tan, lettered in gilt, spines and boards decorated in blind, yellow glazed endpapers with ads. Housed in modern slipcase. A fine set.

Hilmy II, 29; cf. Blackmer 1107.