Lyon, A. Rey, 1912-1913. In two volumes. Folio (37.3 x 28.0 cm). Two half-titles, two title pages with phototype vignettes; xiv, 662 pp.; full colour frontispiece, 385 text figures, several tables, 58 phototype plates (numbered I-LVII, XLIIbis), with, in total, 174 ethnographical portraits, four other plates, and five very large, folded coloured maps. Original uniform portfolio's with blind cloth spines and printed boards.

A fine copy of this important contribution to the anthropology of the Northeastern Maghreb (eastern Algeria, Tunisia, and Libia from just west of Algiers to just east of Tripoli). Written by the French medical doctor and anthropologist Lucien Bertholon (1854-1914) and the French palaeontologist and anthropologist (chiefly interested in human palaeontology) Ernest Chantre (1843-1924). The first volume is subtitled "Anthropométrie, Craniométrie, Ethnographie", showing that many - though not all - of the research methods are of doubtful scientific value. However, the illustrations, mainly of people from various regional tribes, are excellent, and from both an anthropological and historical view the work remains very valuable. Other illustrations include (pre)historical artefacts, buildings, landscapes, a map with traditional trans-Sahara caravan routes, tattoos, three plates depicting crania, and one with comparisons of various alphabets, etc. Slight soiling and a few short tears to the bottom edge of a few leaves, otherwise, a spotless copy, truly in a near mint condition.