The History of Java
John Murray, 1817.
First edition. Two volumes. Contemporary tan calf with finely engraved borders to covers in gilt and blind. Raised bands to spine with gilt titles and embellishments to sections. Marbled edges and endpapers. Each volume with linen marker sash. Sixty-six steel engraved plates (one folding) including ten aquatints by William Daniell. Nine further steel engraved views and numerous tables in the text. Large fold out map to rear of volume one. A very good copy indeed, expertly rebacked preserving most of the original spines. Bound without half titles. Internally fine condition, crisp and clean with none of the usual foxing. A most handsome set.
One of only 900 copies of the first edition which was the first and remains to this day, the most significant work on Java. Raffles' longest lasting achievement was the founding of modern Singapore, but he was also heavily involved in the conquest of the Indonesian island of Java from the Dutch and French in 1811. He lived on the island as Governor for several years making a detailed study of its history and culture. On his return to England in 1816 he wrote and published his History of Java, describing the island from ancient times to the present. The book covers a wide range of subjects including anthropology, natural history, and language. A notable facet of the book is the ten fine coloured aquatints by William Daniell which depict Javanese scenes and costume in great detail. Other plates illustrate cultural, religious and daily life in Java, the majority in the medium of soft-ground etching with aquatint.
PROVENANCE: Henry Collins Splatt (c.1801-1881). Landowner in Brixton, South Devon, armourial bookplate to pastedown.
Stock ID: 32033
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