An important work. Baron de Tott (1733-1793) went to Constantinople in 1755 and stayed until 1763, at first with his father and then with de Vergennes. His knowledge of Turkish language and customs and his ideas for extending trade and diplomatic relations recommended him to the duc de Choiseul for the post of consul in the Crimea. On his return to Constantinople in 1769, he set about reorganising the army and navy and fortifying the banks of the Black Sea. He was promoted again to the post of inspector general in the Levant and travelled with Sonnini between 1776 and 1778. In spite of strong criticism from more prejudiced quarters, this highly successful work set new standards of objectivity in its description of the Ottoman Empire.

First English edition; 2 vols, 8vo, xxiv, 532; [ii], 382, [xiv]pp.; contemporary sprinkled calf gilt, spine gilt extra, slightest cracking to upper joints, a very good set.

Cf.Atabey 1228 and Blackmer 1667 (for second French edition of same year); cf. Koç I, 147b for issue with Robinson imprint.