1875 Eastern Life, Past and Present

Description

Illustrated, Publishers' Original Binding, Scarce

Originally published in 1848 as a three volume set in, this is the 1875 single volume illustrated edition, the first thus. Scarce in all editions.

English social theorist Harriet Martineau was a popular writer in her lifetime, writing from sociological, religious, and 'feminine' angles, the young Princess Victoria was such an admirer of her work that she was invited to her 1838 Coronation. This work is especially interesting in reflecting the experiences of a female traveller in the mid nineteenth century.

Through visiting religious sites of Egypt, Palestine and Syria, Martineau developed the theory that as humanity passed through one after another of the world's historic religions, the conception of the deity and of divine government became at each step more and more abstract and indefinite. Her work's 'infidel tendency' was too much for the intended publisher, John Murray, who rejected it.

Featuring a six page publisher's catalogue to the rear.