Inscribed “C. J. Klyberg: Ankara; 1975” to the front pastedown, and subsequently annotated with the detailed itinerary of three separate trips to Turkey in 1975, 1976, and 1986, densely written in black and blue ink across the front and rear endpapers, the half title page, and pp.759 and 762 (eight sides in total). Two further single-word annotations updating/correcting the text to pp.615-616. Manuscript list providing a translation of the months of the year from Turkish to English loosely laid in. The owner of the present copy, Charles John Klyberg (1931-2020), was the former Anglican Bishop of Fulham (1985-1996), who later converted to Catholicism. He uses the guidebook to record a personal day-by-day diary documenting his wide-ranging travels and experiences during his various trips to Turkey, with a particular emphasis on visits to historical and religious sites and social engagements. A typical entry reads: “2nd Sept. 1976: Arr. at Trabzon & unload the car about 3pm. Stay at Hotel Bista. Leave the car there & walk around the town – see the remains of S. Anne’s Church (in a poor state), the mosque in the citadel formerly of the Byzantine Church of the Gilded Virgin, photographed the ruined castle – walked back past the ruined Church of S. Basil – then down to the seashore for refreshments. Good food in the eve.” In the course of his narratives, Klyberg documents visits to American and British radar stations, as well as numerous churches and mosques, a meeting with the consul general, journeys down the Bosphorus, and several scenic road trips.
An extensive guide for the traveller in Turkey by the French publisher Hachette, the work itself includes sixty-six itineraries, as well as copious information regarding the country’s geography, history, economy, arts, language, customs, and cuisine, in addition to recommendations for entertainments, attractions, hotels, restaurants and cafés, and much else besides.
An excellent example of a travel guide actively used by its owner to document their own explorations, observations, and opinions. First edition. Publisher’s original navy blue pebble-grain cloth with titles in gilt to the upper board and spine, in original acetate dustwrapper and card slipcase. Two ribbon page markers bound-in. Blue map endpapers. Illustrated with six folding colour maps and plans, as well as numerous others in black and white. A very good copy indeed, the binding square and firm; the contents with the very occasional dot of light foxing are otherwise clean throughout.
