The Kasidah of Haji Abdu El-Yedzi

London : David McKay Company, 1931. Cloth. Fine. 10" by 8". Willy Pogany. A beautiful edition of Sir Richard Francis Burton's English-language poem. In original cloth binding and kept in original hardcover case with glassine wrap. Direct from the library of the late Hugh Selbourne MD (1906-1973) a noted book collector and diarist. The title page attributes the text to Haji Absu El-Yedzi, and notes Burton as the translator. Haji Absu El-Yedzi was a pseudonym that Burton used. Therefore this is actually a pseudotranslation, as Burton claimed there was an original Farsi text which never existed. First thus. Illustrated by the prolific Hungarian illustrator, William Andrew Pogany. Pogany is best known for his pen and ink drawings of myths and fables. A large portion of his work is described as Art Nouveau. With an introduction by the first successful Indian man of letters, Dhan Gopal Mukerji. The poem adapts style, techniques and ideas of classical Sufi masters and Burton creates a spiritual autobiography in The Kasidah. It is thought Burton hoped to bring Sufist ideas to the West. He explores the limitations of Man's undeveloped reason, egoism and self-made religions and sought a fulfilment of individual human destiny. Sir Richard Francis Burton was a British explorer, geographer, translator, writer and diplomat, aside from many other interests. He was famed for his explorations to Asia, Africa and the Americas as well as his knowledge of languages and cultures. He composed The Kasidah on his return journey from Mecca. In original cloth binding with an image pasted to the front board and held in original box, with rare glassine wrap. Externally, lovely. Box is generally smart with rubbing to extremities and cracks were the sides join. Lifting to the bottom edge of the lid. Small amount of wear to the original glassine wrap at the joints. Internally, book is firmly bound. Pages are very bright and clean. VERY GOOD box Fine