Narrative of a Residence in Algiers

London: Henry Colburn, 1830. Leather. Very Good Indeed. 11.5" by 9". Not Stated. A very smart and extremely scarce copy of Filippo Pananti's captivating narrative of his residency in Algiers, following his kidnapping by barbarous pirates. An important edition, with prefatory notes of a political context regarding France's conquest of The second edition of this work, published twelve years after the first English edition. The work was first published in Italian in 1817. This second edition has a preface by one 'E B'. To their preface they note that this publication is still of relevance and is the most 'ample work we possess on a country, which has acquired, and continues to acquire, new claims to public attention both from recent and passing events'. 'E B' is noted by copac as being Edward Blaquiere. Blaquiere was politically active and was also an enthusiastic disciple of Jeremy Bentham. He worked alongside Andreas Lourittis regarding Greek Independence and enlisted Lord Byron to the cause. He also wrote a report on the struggle 'Report on the Present State of the Greek Confederation' (ODNB). The preface looks at the Algiers in its colonial context, being dated June 5th 1830. This was two weeks before Charles X of France invaded and subsequently conquered the then Ottoman Regency of Algiers. Blaquiere refers to rumours that France intend on invading and notes that this would affect the British power in the Mediterranean as during the Napoleonic Wars they had traded with the Regency of Algiers. They state that at this state the invasion is just a rumour published in Paris journals and 'it is true declarations to the contrary have been made, and pledges of moderation offered to our ministers; but those who are at all acquainted with modern diplomacy, will know how to estimate such promise'. This work was published at a time of political question regarding the fate of Algiers, and therefore this second edition has been issued as a form of propaganda. There is also a short preface dated May 1830 on 'The Expedition Against Algiers' this describes a fleet comprising of 103 warships and 464 transports departing Toulon to Algiers. The entire fleet did not arrive until 14th June. This lucid report explains Pananti's journey prior to the kidnapping, the events of the kidnapping itself, and his time in Algiers. He explains his observations regarding christian slavery, barbary, the standard of living, clothing and several other aspects of society including marriage. In addition, Pananti gives descriptions of the vegetation and flora as well as the domestic and wild animals. With the bookplate of Norman Douglas Simpson to the front pastedown. It is probable the bookplate is of the botanist from Yorkshire of the same name. Dpig;as So,[spm wore 'A Bibliographical Index of the British Flora'. Illustrated, with a hand-coloured aquatint frontispiece, a map of Algiers, a plan of the city and a loosely inserted, neatly produced reference to the Plan of Algiers in ink. This ink plan has the name 'R Parker' to the bottom and indicates fortification and the British squadron during the Naval Operation of 1816. A very smartly bound copy of this fascinating work, published here at a time of political tension regarding the French colonization of Africa. In a half calf binding with paper covered boards. Externally, very smart with just some light rubbing to the joints, spine and extremities. Light rubbing to the boards. Bookplate to the front pastedown, Norman Douglas Simpson. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Professional repair to the bottom margin of page 393-4. Occasional light scattered spots to pages, heavier to the first and last few pages. Very Good Indeed