Charles M. Doughty – Travels in Arabia Deserta – 1921 Edition – Signed

A rare first printing of the 1921 edition of Charles Doughty’s unique work on Arabia, with the author’s signature on laid-in slip. Travelling out from Damascus, Doughty (1843-1926) spent several years living among Bedouins in the 1870s, attempting to reach Mecca, producing one of the most important and earliest accounts of the region. First published in 1887, it was also highly distinctive in its style and scope. This 1921 set comprises two volumes and is one of just 500 that were printed, of which 300 were offered for sale – 100 in the US and 200 in the UK. It features an introduction by T.E. Lawrence and a new preface by Doughty. It was also the first book to be published by London-based Jonathan Cape, which later went on to print several other key works on the Middle East including Lawrence’s 1935 trade edition of Seven Pillars of Wisdom. This set was owned by a director of a publishing company called Duckworth, which released other titles by Doughty in the early 20th century, and has the owner’s bookplate to the front endpaper. Next to it is pasted a slip written “Believe me yours truly Charles Doughty”. It also includes the original prospectus leaflet for the book, featuring a profile of the author and a summary of the work, with an order form to the rear. Hardback, bound in the original green cloth, with gilt decoration and lettering. With all original plates, folding maps and the coloured cloth-lined folding map present in the rear pocket of Volume I. 623 and 690 pages. In good condition. Rubbing and fading to boards on both volumes. Some loss and chips to top of spine on both volumes. A scarce edition of this book, even more so with Doughty’s signature, and a superb addition to any library on Arabian geography and history.