First edition of a work on the khouan, the brothers of Islamic "religious orders" in Algeria, written by Charles Brosselard (1816-1889). He describes the origin, hierarchy, organization and (initiation) rituals of seven influential Sufi brotherhoods. "A work of great learning and value" (Playfair).
With author's presentation inscription to the French general Charles Cousin-Montauban, Comte de Palikao (1796-1878), who served as a cavalry officer in Algeria, on half-title. With an armorial bookplate on paste-down. Overall in very good condition, binding only very slightly rubbed along the extremities. Levtzion & Pouwels, The history of Islam in Africa, pp. 170, 184; Playfair, Bibliography of Algeria, 2099.