An Oxfam bookshop in Exeter received a "diamond in the rough" in July - a book containing early photographs of the Middle East worth about £4,500. Francis Frith's "Sinai & Palestine," printed in 1862, contains 37 photographic prints: street scenes, panoramic views, and other images.
A volunteer book-pricer recognized the name of the photographer and decided to do a little research on the book, discovering that a similar copy recently sold at auction for £5,000. "Sinai & Palestine" is now for sale at a London shop, with proceeds to go back to Oxfam.
