The Hindoos, Vol. I; 1847, First Ed.

Price on Inquiry

All orders are insured for transit.

This item cannot be shipped outside India.

Details

Authors: R.A. William Westall
Size (WxDxH): 4.5 x 2 x 6.5 inches
Medium: Antiquarian Book
Year: 1847
Edition: First Edition

Description

This is the first edition of volume I of ‘The Hindoos: a general description of India, its government, religion, manners, and customs; the fine arts, architecture, and literature. With a general outline of the history of Hindoostan.’ There are 12 illustrations from drawings by the author R.A. William Westall. Publisher London M.A. Nattali, 1847. Printed by W. Clowes and Sons, Stamford Street. Bookplate inside front cover for the award of first prize in History and Geography in 1851 at the Scottish Institution for the education of young ladies, 9 Moray Place, Edinburgh.

Background History:
“Willam Westall (1781 – 1850) was a contemporary of Daniel (who married Westall’s sister) and is best known for being the official landscape artist on board Matthew Flinders’ expedition in the Investigator, which made the first circumnavigation of Australia between 1801-1803. A late addition to the scientific team, he was approached by Sir Joseph Banks to serve on the voyage at just 19 when still a student at the Royal Academy. Westall decided to continue on through China and then India, but he was still being paid by the British government and was therefore not allowed to do so without permission. He wrote a letter to Banks to explain his decision to travel on, complaining that he had found the Australian landscapes uninspiring. The Admiralty terminated his employment and told him to make his way home.”

Condition:
Very good condition. Some toning throughout, generally firmly bound, only endpaper slightly loose. Contemporary blue cloth boards, spine with gilt title panel, some bumps to corners and edges, and some scuffs. All page edges gilt. Engraved prize award 1851 mounted inside front board.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE