Cleopatra's Needles and other Egyptian Obelisks. A series of Descriptions of all the Important Inscribed Obelisks, with Hieroglyphic Texts, Translations, etc.
London: Religious Tract Society, 1926. First Edition. Hardcover. Large Octavo. xxiv + 308pp. Original blue cloth with gilt titling etc. to spine and front cover. Frontispiece, 17 b&w plates and 22 illustrations in text, index. Budge's study of the obelisks of ancient Egypt, with particular reference to "Cleopatra's Needle" which now stands by the banks of the Thames in London. Perhaps needles to say Cleopatra's needle, actually had nothing to do with Cleopatra, being a monument created for Pharaoh Thotmes III, but was known as Cleopatra's Needle as it was brought from Alexandria, the royal city of Cleopatra, in a specially construced cylindrical container ship, dubbed the "Cleopatra." It came perilously close to being lost at sea, and the story of its travels provides a fascinating chapter. Spine quite sun-faded, with some fading to the edges of the boards (sadly fading is typical to this volume), top corner of rear board bumped, typical modest shelf-wear to cloth. with Bookplate of F. Cyril. F. Parker, Skirwith Abbey, Langwathby, Cumberland, and a small circular ink-stamp with the same name on the front pastedown, and the same owner's name nearly written on the front free endpaper. Edges of text block darkened, half-title page quite toned, otherwise a tight, solid, internally clean copy, in better than VG condition (lacks the scarce dust jacket). Item #72110
Price: $75.00