Biblical Researches in Palestine and the Adjacent Regions (vols 1 and 3 of second edition of 1856)

In 1841, when Edward Robinson, then professor of Biblical Literature in the Union Theological Seminary in New York, first published this work, it was arranged in 3 vols, all devoted to his travels in 1838 with various companions and hosts. (One of his hosts in Cairo and Jerusalem was the Duke of Northumberland, to whom the work was dedicated).

The volumes were compiled from the diaries of Robinson and his fellow-travellers.

Fifteen years later the second edition (our version) was published, with the original 3 vols edited down to 2 vols. There was also a stand-alone work, vol 3, to cover the authors 1852 journey and available separately to those who had already bought the 3 vols of the first edition.

This set is unfortunately missing the second volume of the second edition (in other words, half of the original 1838 journeys), and our reserve has been adjusted accordingly, as we have decided to offer the remaining 2 vols on their own both because of the difficulty of obtaining the missing volume and because of the importance of Dr Robinson's work.

Vol 1. xxx + 614 pp of text + 18-fold map by Henri Kiepert of Berlin of Lower Egypt and the Peninsula of Sinai, with an inset of Mount Sinai.

Vol 3. xxx + 664 pp of text + 10-fold map, also by Henri Kiepert, of Palestine, Phoenicia and Coelesyria, with an inset of Jerusalem.

This binding of both volumes has been repaired in a way that preserves as much of the original marbled endpapers as possible. The original matching marbled paper-boards and leather corners are rubbed but still attractive.

The contents are complete, with all page edges marbled to match the boards. The volumes have no owner of other markings and are not ex-library. However, as is usual with these volumes, the contents are foxed almost throughout, though nowhere does the foxing detract from the legibility and attractiveness of the text or the maps.

The serious Bible history collector without all Robinson's volumes may at least temporarily be pleased to have these two volumes.

Further images - of the maps and otherwise - will be supplied on request to prospective bidder.

[GOLD MEDAL FOR THE AUTHOR. In the "advertisement" for the new edition, Robinson writes: "The publication of the Biblical Researches was received with unexpected favour. In 1842, the Royal Geographical Society of London awarded to it their Patron's Gold Medal." There was much other praise as well and the volumes were "permitted to take rank as a standard work in relation to the Holy Land".