Observations made on a Tour from Bengal to Persia, in the Years 1786-7.: With a short account of the remains of the celebrated palace of Persepolis; and other interesting events.

London: T. Cadell,, 1790. An important book in the growing interest of Orientalism First London edition; originally published Calcutta 1788, Lowndes notes that a French edition followed in 1797. "An important book in the growing interest of Orientalism" (Ghani). Francklin (1763-1839) was the son of the classical scholar and dramatist Thomas Francklin. He was educated at Westminster and Trinity College, Cambridge, before being commissioned ensign in the Bengal Army and posted to the 19th Bengal Native Infantry in 1783, rising by 1814 to lieutenant-colonel both in his regiment and in the Army. "A distinguished officer, Francklin also enjoyed considerable reputation as an oriental scholar. In 1786 he made a tour of Persia, in the course of which he lived at Shiraz for eight months as the close friend of a Persian family, and was thus able to write a fuller account of Persian customs than had before appeared... His publications also include a compilation of the memoirs of George Thomas, the military adventurer in India; translations from Persian; archaeological remarks on the plain of Troy, seeking to corroborate the existence of an ancient city there; historical, political, geographic, economic, and religious essays on parts of India. His religious writings include a discussion of the worship of the serpent in various parts of the world. He also maintained a learned correspondence with William Vincent... and was one of the few people to whom Dean Vincent acknowledged obligations in the preface to the Periplus" (ODNB). Francklin was a member, librarian, and member of the council of the Royal Asiatic Society, and was also a member of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Ghani notes that "Francklin's book was read by Byron... [and that it is] also important because of the retelling of comments the author had heard about Karim Khan Zand [who ruled Iran 1751-1779]... [he also] saw a full cycle of Ta'zie during his stay in Shiraz". Octavo (256 x 125 mm). Early 19th-century diced calf by J. Painter of Wrexham (with his ticket), decorative gilt spine, burgundy-coloured twin labels, speckled edges, marbled endpapers. Early 19th-century armorial bookplate of J. W. Dod (of Cloverley Hall, Shropshire). Spine rubbed and a little worn at extremities of spine, boards darkened at inner edge, paper flaw at Z6 (not affecting letterpress), scattered foxing. A very good copy. Ghani, Iran and the West, p.138; Howgego, Exploration to 1800, p. 339; Lowndes III p. 833 ( "much valuable and interesting information"); Wilson, Bibliography of Persia, p. 74.