The Koran, Commonly Called the Alcoran of Mohammed, George Sale, 1734

First Edition of George Sale’s translation of The Koran (1734) with striking early inscription and provenance.

Title in red and black, engraved folding map of Arabia by R.W. Seale, three genealogical tables (2 folding) and one folding engraved plan and view of Mecca.

Alexander Ross translated the Koran for the first time in English in 1649 based on the inaccurate and poor translation of André du Ryer in 1647. This 1734-Sale’s Koran is widely regarded as the first accurate introduction of the Koran to the Western world in English, translated directly from Arabic.

Condition: Contemporary/original (?) boards, rebacked with new spine, gilt decorated motifs to spine compartments, morocco title label, early ownership inscription. Marginal foxing in first and last few pages, maps and charts in excellent, bright condition, internally clean and unmarked texts.

Provenance— 1) Bookplate of Thomas Edwards Freeman Esq, most likely the British politician of that name who sat in the House of Commons from 1768 to 1780. 2) Early inscription in ink of Richard Freeman, with a date of Jan 15th 1736, less than two years of the book being printed. 3) bookplate of The Heathcote baronetcy of Hursley in the County of Southampton, depicting the coat of arms. This baronetcy was created in the Great Britain on 16 August 1733 for William Heathcote.

A complete, collector’s copy in beautiful binding with contemporary/original (?) covers, internally clean pages and striking, early provenance.

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