The Glory of the Shia World [Cosway style binding] by Sykes, Major P.M - 1910

London: Macmillan, 1910. Fine. Finely bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe in full crushed morocco, with five raised bands, morocco spine label, and gilt floral stamping inlaid with blue and red morocco on spine and boards. Yellow silk-moire end papers. Green morocco doublures stamped with ornate, interlocking vines, fleur de lis, and rosettes inlaid with red, blue, and green morocco. Set into the front doublure is a large, fine rectangular painting of a cityscape; set into the rear doublure is a large painting of a pastoral. All edges brightly gilt. Stamped by Sangorski and Sutcliffe on the front turn-in. Bottom corners gently bumped. Mild offsetting to the front endpaper. Else internally bright, clean, and complete with folding map, all four colored reproductions from Persian paintings, and with three illuminated manuscript leaves tipped in.

Written by British Consul Major P.M. Sykes, The Glory of the Shia World is Sykes' attempt to "write a second Haji Baba, which would serve as a true picture of Persia some ten years ago." Early reviewers assumed that The Glory of the Shia World was "the work of a Persian." Sykes drew on his wide travels and diplomatic experience throughout Persia as well as relying on the research and personal assistance of Khan Bahadur Ahmad Din Khan, who served as attaché to Sykes. Fine.