Les voyages et observations du sieur de la Boullaye-le-Gouz gentil-homme Angevin...Paris, Francois Clousier, 1653. 4to. With a woodcut and an engraved author's portrait, 34 woodcut illustrations in text, including several full-page, and some woodcut initals, head- and tailpieces. Contemporary calf, gold-tooled spine.

[16], 540, [10], [2 blank] pp.Rare first edition of a travelogue by the French explorer, merchant and diplomat François de la Boullaye-Le Gouz (ca.1610-1669). The largest part of the book deals with his travels through the Midde East and India, while a smaller parts treats Le Gouz's travels through Europe. In 1643 he travelled the Middle East under the name Ibrahim Beg, visiting Syria, Palestine, Persia, Egypt, Anatolia and Armenia. A few years later he was send by the French king with an embassy to the Mogul emperor Shah Jahan, where he met and became great friends with the Jesuit Alexandre de Rhodes (1591-1660). La Boullaye-Le Gouz describes the routes he takes, the cities he visits and the people he meets along the way, with frequent observations on religion, natural history and commerce. The illustrations show various Indian deities, some city views or buildings, Indian and Eastern costumes, plants and trees. "The work is notable for its information on northern India and its relations to Persia, and for its inclusion of a summary of the Ramayana" (Howgego).Occasionally a small (water) stain, internally otherwise in very good condition. Binding rubbed, restored and front hinge partly cracked.l Atabey 645; Hage-Chahine 2526; Hamilton, Europe and the Arab world 22; Howgego, to 1800, L4; Slot, The Arabs of the Gulf 1602-1784, p. 410; WorldCat (5 copies); not in Blackmer.