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Curry & Rice (On Forty Plates); Second Ed.

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Details

Authors: George Francklin Atkinson
Size (WxDxH): 8.75 x 1.5 x 11.75 inches
Medium: Antiquarian Book
Edition: Second Edition

Description

Second (undated) edition of “Curry & Rice (On Forty Plates) Or The Ingredients of Social Life at “Our Station” in India by Captain George Francklin Atkinson. Published by Day and Son, lithographers to the Queen, London, 1859. A profusely illustrated work on India in the nineteenth century. Providing a satirical insight into the colonies in occupied India. Written immediately following the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857, the work describes a fictional Indian village called Kabob. The folio is illustrated, with forty tinted lithographic plates drawn by the author, George Francklin Atkinson. Each satirical illustration has two pages of accompanying text. Emphasis is drawn on British officials and residents of a high social status such as the magistrate, colonel and doctor. He also focuses on racing, pig-sticking and tiger shooting.

Background History:
George Francklin Atkinson (1822-1859) (also Franklin) was an officer of the Bengal Engineers and artist. He previously wrote a work titled 'The Indian Mutiny' which was published in 1857-58. To the preface Atkinson notes that this work is 'drawn to exhibit the customs of society on the Bengal side' of India 'as it was necessary throughout to adhere to some one character of people among whom the English were located.' He addresses his humour in the work and says ”my object was not to illustrate perfection but to afford amusement”.

Condition:
Good condition. This is the second edition of this work, and is held in the publisher's original binding. An undated work, dated using the Oxford University and National Library of Scotland entries on copac. In a well-preserved condition, with the plates remaining relatively bright. Original blindstamped cloth gilt. Cover board has ring water stain, and some marks, corners are bumped and cloth is split along the bottom of the spine. First third of the book is loose from the binding. Toned with scattered foxing throughout. Prior owner's inscription to the end paper, Winifred M. Bowen, dated 1918 (?).