Charles Beatty — Ferdinand de Lesseps a Biographical Study

London, Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1956. First edition. Cloth. An uncommon first edition, and very scarce presentation copy, of this biography, in unclipped dust wrapper. An uncommon first edition title, recounting the life and political career of Ferdinand de Lesseps.French Orientalist diplomat Lesseps was responsible for the development of the Suez Canal, and attempted to build the similar Panama Canal, in the 1880s, which remained unfinished.He was a childhood friend of Sa'id Pasha, son of Muhammad Ali Pasha, Khedive of Egypt 1805-1848.Lesseps, as head of the Franco-American Union, also formally presented the Statue of Liberty to America, and spoke at the dedication ceremony on 28th October 1886.A very scarce presentation copy, featuring an ink inscription to the title page reading 'For G. C. Watkins who could have "managed" F de L, perhaps, - from Charles Beatty in gratitude for being 'managed', in friendship. 3 October 1956 London&apos.In original, unclipped dust wrapper. Bound in original red cloth. In original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, very smart. Fading to spine. Very slight spotting to endpapers. Very slight warping to front board top spine tip. Dust wrapper smart. moderate sunning to dust wrapper spine. Mild chipping to extremities. Mild rubbing to covers. Moderate spotting to reverse. Internally, firmly bound. Pages generally bright and clean. The odd spot to text block edges. Author's ink inscription to title page. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good/Very Good.