SALONIQUE A LA FIN DU XVIII S.: D'après les rapports consulaires français

In French.

Corners slightly bunped, no foxing, very small tear at head of spine, sewn signatures tight, but somewhat loose in paper binding, all pages clear, intact and unmarked.

Olfert Dapper's (1636 – 1689) copper engraving of Thessaloniki from 1688 appears on the cover.

This very hard-to find book by Prof. Michael Laskaris (1903-1965), a distinguished Balkanologist at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, provides some interesting information on the history of Thessaloniki during the 18th century, which has significant gaps, particularly during the Ottoman period. It is well-written, and features clear accounts written by experienced diplomats.

The first part of the book, "Salonique et sa région" includes consular reports by Jean Vincent Arasy, consul of France in Thessaloniki at the end of the 18th century, which provide significant information on the population, professions, consulates, organizations and significant communities of the city. There is also some discussion of everyday life and dress as well as the Sublime Porte's efforts at reining in a particularly rapacious and wealthy Albanian trading family.

The second part of the book, "Le commerce de Salonique" discusses the trade of Thessaloniki, including economic data, imports, exports, the significant merchant houses, and some of the difficulties faced by the French in doing business there. Felix de Beaujour and Thomas de Jonville, Consuls of France in Thessaloniki provide their information and viewpoints. There is also some discussion of the operation and activity of the French Consulate since 1685 when it was founded with Jacques Gleize as first consul.