1800 1st English ed Sonnini Travels in EGYPT Egyptian Sexuality Archaeology

1800 1^st English ed Sonnini Travels in EGYPT Egyptian Sexuality Archaeology

Charles Sigisbert Sonnini was a French naturalist who served Louis XVI and under the Napoleonic Regime. In 1777, Sonnini was ordered by the king and Count Buffon to explore Egypt, a voyage that lasted three years. According to Blackmer’s ‘Sotheby’s Catalogue’,

“Sonnini set out with baron de Tott’s expedition in 1777. On arrival at Alexandria he found orders to explore Egypt from Louis XVI awaiting him. This he proceeded to do, going on to Turkey, Greece, Crete and the Archipelago. He returned to Manoncourt in 1780 where he cultivated many new vegetables and herbs, his interest in natural history is evident from the number of plates in the above work showing plants and fish; indeed Sonnini collaborated with Buffon on an edition of the latter’s works.

The contents of this book, however, were not only focused on geography and natural science. According to Cox, Sonnini discusses

“Egyptian female circumcision, serpent eating, Egyptian lesbianism, female cosmetics and hair removal techniques, sexuality in public baths, masculine beauty, homosexuality, male circumcision, and the effects of Leprosy”

Curiously though, his report on the excursion was not published for twenty years after his return. It is interesting to note that this report predates the Egyptian exploration ordered by Napoleon.

Item number: #13146

Price: $950

SONNINI, Charles Sigisbert

Travels in upper and lower Egypt : undertaken by order of the old government of France; by C. S. Sonnini, … Illustrated by engravings, … To which is subjoined a map of the country. Translated from the French

London: Printed for J. Debrett …, 1800. First English edition

Details:

• Collation: Textually Complete
  • [4], xl, 730, [14]
  • 26 engraved plates (of 28)
    • Wanting folding map of Egypt by Danville
  • References: ESTC T 150187; Blackmer, Sotheby’s 1006; Cox I, 395;
  • Language: English
  • Binding: Leather; tight & secure
  • Size: ~11in X 8.75in (28cm x 22.5cm)

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13146