OLEARIUS, Adam (1599-1671). Relation du voyage en Moscovie, Tartarie et Perse.... Paris: Du Puis, 1659. Rare first illustrated French edition (last recorded at auction in the 1970s, RBH) of this important travel narrative by Adam Olearius, an eyewitness of the Holstein embassy to Moscow and subsequently to Persia. The diplomatic mission sought to secure for Frederick III of Holstein-Gottorp a strategic gateway at the terminus of the Silk Road. Olearius travelled extensively through Russia and Persia, meeting both the Tsar and the Shah. His descent of the Volga River led to the first detailed mapping of the waterway. First published in German in 1646, and later translated into French in 1656 and 1659, this account is considered one of the most significant European travel narratives to Russia. The second volume is largely dedicated to the account of Johan Albrecht de Mandelslo's (1616-1644) voyage to the Indies, also on diplomatic service for the Duke of Holstein. 2 vols, 4to (200 x 160mm). 4 folding maps in the first volume, 2 in the second, woodcut vignettes to title-pages (small wormhole to lower margin of vol. I). Bound in contemporary calf, spines richly gilt, spines lettered directly in gilt, marbled endpapers, red edges. (2)