Travel
[CAUCASUS] - PHILLIPPS-WOLLEY, Clive.
Savage Svanetia.
Bentley, London, 1883. 2 volumes in one 8vo. 8 wood-engraved plates, 6 pages of ads at end. Original plum blind-stamped cloth lettered in gilt; rubbed at extremities, spine faded, front free endpaper pasted down.
First edition. Called "Savage" on account of the propensity of the locals to murder anybody they took a dislike to; blood feuds are still part of the way of life in the region. This casual attitude to life accounts for it being one of the least known parts of the Caucasus, although of great interest to the great powers being on the direct road from Russia to the Indian frontier. The English were particularly concerned about the railway from Poti to Baku.
Price: £ 350
US Dollar Price: $ 510
Stock Number: 54134