[2], vi, 234, [6], 40 pp. Folding copper-engraved frontispiece of the Shah smoking from a hookah; folding map of the Moghol Empire & Tartary. (8vo) 8x4¾, period half calf & marbled boards, morocco spine label. First Edition.
Important contemporary history of Nadir Shah, the "Napoleon of Persia," who rose from humble origin to free Persia from Afghan rule, invade and conquer Afghanistan, and march on to India, sacking Delhi. His insatiable lust for power, and accompanying cruelty, eventually led to his own assassination. The author, James Fraser, resided at Surat between 1730 and 1740 and later served the East India Company. Ink ownership inscription, in English and Dari, of Chas. P. Motsch, dated Kabul, Afghanistan, August 22, 1952. Armorial bookplate of Dutton Park.
Condition:
Binding rubbed and worn, spine scuffed, ends and corners chipped, joints cracked but cords holding; map darkened with 2" stub tear, internally very good.