Lot 28: BELON, PIERRE.

LES OBSERVATIONS DE PLUSIEURS SINGULARITEZ & CHOSES MEMORABLES, TROUVÉES EN GRECE, ASIE, JUDÉE, EGYPTE, ARABIE, & AUTRES PAYS ESTRANGES. .ANTWERP: (CHRISTOPHER PLANTIN FOR) J. STEELSIUS, 1555.
12mo (154 x 95mm.), woodcut device on title, woodcuts in text, vellum, [cf. Blackmer 115; Gay 10; Rohricht 678; Tobler, p.72; cf. Wilson, p.18], a little minor spotting and staining

Belon travelled in the Levant from 1546-1549 and wrote this important book which includes much on the antiquities, customs, manners and natural history of the regions visited. He was one of the first Europeans to visit and describe Baalbek and this work, of which there are several editions, "was the most documented account of the Levant which had appeared up to that time. Of importance is his description of Cairo after 30 years of Turkish occupation'' (Blackmer).