MAURICE, Thomas (1754?1824). Observations connected with astronomy and ancient history, sacred and profane on the ruins of Babylon? [with:] Observations on the remains of ancient Egyptian grandeur and superstition?forming the appendix. London: printed for the author by John Murray, 1816 [and] 1818. 2 volumes in one, 4to. 4 engraved plates in the first section, 2 engraved plates in the appendix volume; advertisement and list of subscribers in the appendix. Half modern crushed niger, marbled sides, raised bands gilt, brown and green morocco lettering?pieces gilt in 2 compartments, gilt centerpieces in remainder. (Some scorch marks to terminal text leaves of appendix volume, very occasional pale spotting to text and plates, mostly marginal). Provenance: Scottish Rite Temple (rubberstamp on sig. B). FIRST EDITIONS, of Maurice?s travel compendium on comparative religion and mythology, with a central focus on the civilizations of the ancient near East and the Indian subcontinent.