Histoire Du Royaume d'Alger; Avec L'etat Present De Son Gouvernement De Ses Forces De Terre & De Mer, De Ses Revenus, Police, Justice, Politique & Commerce
Amsterdam: Chez Henri Du Sauzet, 1725. 12mo. Item #026110
[16], 348 pages [31]pp index, (1)pp, 2 folding plates, (map and large folding etching). French text, title printed in red and black. A remarkable account of life in Algiers both in terms of its history and culture. The background deals with Algers and its conflict with Spain. De Tassy compared the Case del Hospital de Espana, as the residence was known, to the consulates that other European states maintained in Algiers. He points out in detail the condition of slaves (who when highly cultured or educated ended up in the royal palace). While the term in Arabic Ber, merely meant a desert, the term was converted to barbarian by Europeans. Their care of captives in their hospitals was often much better than that of those in European capitols. One of the most objective accounts of Algiers by contemporaries. bound in full calf, spine gilt but mostly worn off, marbled endpapers, all edges red, some chipping to head. A very good copy.
Price: $575.00