8vo. in three volumes. vii, [1], 317, [1]; [2], 330; [2], 335pp, [1]. Bound by Porter & Custard of Yeovil in contemporary navy half-calf, marbled boards, tooled in gilt and blind, marbled edges. Lightly rubbed. Bookplates of Coker Court to all FEPs, binder's ticket to FEP of Vol. I, scattered foxing.

The first edition James Justinian Morier's (1782-1849) third published novel. Having pursued a career as a diplomat, primarily operating in Persia, Morier devoted his retirement to writing, first producing two travel books, A Journey through Persia, Armenia and Asia Minor (1812) and A Second Journey (1818), which both met with critical acclaim. His major work, the novel Adventures of Hajji Baba of Isphahan (1824), achieved immense popularity for its perceptive portrayal of Persian life. This was followed by three further novels based on his experiences in Persia, including the Oriental romance.

Henry Marsh Custard (1806-1895) originally ran a printing business at Parkstone, Dorset but ceased printing there at the end of December 1838 and moved to Yeovil. By 1839 Custard was in partnership with William Porter as stationers and printers in Hendford. Porter & Custard, printers, remained in the premises until their partnership was dissolved in 1841.