[VOYAGES AND TRAVELS]. LAKE, Colonel Atwell (1808-1881). Narrative of the Defence of Kars, Historical and Military [with:] Plan of the Fortress of Kars. London: Richard Bentley, 1857 [and] Williams & Norgate, 1855. Book is 8vo. Illustrated with 5 plates, plus two folding plans or views, each one housed in pockets in front and rear. 344 pp. Publisher's full red cloth, boards elaborately stamped in blind, spine stamped in blind and gilt, brown coated endleaves and pockets.

Spine toned and a bit edgeworn, boards rubbed, soiled, toned, corners bumped, hinges starting, binder's ticket on rp., text shaken with several gutters starting or cracked. Plan: linen-backed folding plan with hand-coloring. Approximately 34 x 49". Some minor toning, a few tears at folds, housed in dark brown leather, gilt, case (light wear to case). Fine. FIRST EDITION OF THIS UNCOMMON BOOK RELATING THE SIEGE AND DEFENSE OF THE OTTOMAN FORTRESS CITY AGAINST RUSSIAN INVADERS IN 1855. Although uncalled-for, this copy has a rare large folding plan depicting the siege and the area. Despite the fact that the Ottoman forces had significant assistance from the British, the city ultimately fell, but the defenders were allowed to honorably march away.