Des Cosaques,

£1,250 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

A fine example of a very scarce early 19th-century account of the origin and history of Ukrainian Cossacks. Karr's work covers the building of fortifications along the banks and islands of the Dnipro river, the defence of Ukraine against Poland, Bohdam Khmelnytskyi and the Pereiaslavska Rada. It also details the cultural aspects of Cossack life including customs, clothing, funerals and marriages. From the library of Comte d'Olliamson, a French aristocrat and staunch monarchist. He refused to serve under Napoleon but after the Bourbon restoration was made a Commander and awarded with the Cross of Saint Louis in 1825. First French edition, 8vo (22 x 14 cm); engraved frontispiece of Cossack soldiers, 94pp., numbering in ink to corner of each page; 19th century quarter green calf over marbled boards, flat spine gilt ruled, red morocco label with gilt title, a fine copy.

• Binding: Hardcover

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