Savage Svanetia
By Clive Phillipps Wolley
Volume 1 Only (Of Two)
Published by Richard Bentley & Son: London 1883 1st
Edition
Volume 1 Only (of 2) With All Illustrations 4 Present
"Clive Phillipps-Wolley's Savage Svânetia is a fascinating Victorian work of travel and exploration, chronicling the author's journey into the little-known mountain region of Svânetia (modern Svaneti in Georgia) deep within the Caucasus. Written from firsthand experience, the book captures a landscape of towering snow-capped peaks, isolated stone villages and ancient customs that remained largely unknown to Western readers during the late nineteenth century. Rich in geographical observation and personal adventure, it stands as an important example of British exploration literature.
Rather than a work of fiction, this is an engaging narrative blending travel, history, ethnography and sporting adventure. Phillipps-Wolley records the customs, architecture, languages and traditions of the fiercely independent Svan people while also describing difficult mountain crossings, hunting expeditions and encounters with local nobles and villagers. His observations provide an evocative snapshot of a remote region during the final decades of the Russian Empire, making the work of lasting interest to collectors of Caucasian history, exploration and nineteenth-century travel writing.
This is the scarcer Volume I only of the original two-volume first edition, published in 1883 by Richard Bentley & Son. The volume is illustrated throughout and retains all four illustrations, including the frontispiece, as called for. It is presented in an attractive half-leather library binding with marbled endpapers and carries an historic Adelaide Circulating Library bookplate, adding an interesting element of Australian provenance. A desirable Victorian exploration title that remains highly collectible despite being offered as Volume I only."
General wear, fading, some peeling etc to covers and spine as shown. All 4 illustrations present as called for. Front inside hinge split with secure covers. Pages clean and well presented. A nice copy in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Size 19cm x 13cm x 2cm - 272
Pages
