NON-EXPORTABLE
TITLE: The Ocean of Story, being C H Tawney's Translation of Somadeva's Katha Sarit Sagara (or Ocean of Streams of Story)
AUTHOR: N M Penzer, ed.
PUBLISHER: Chas J Sawyer Ltd
PLACE: London
YEAR: 1924
BINDING: Deckled edge paper, top edges gilt, original decorated black Buckram cloth boards, with Natarja on upper cover in gilt, gold ribbon marker, silk-textured endpapers.
NO.OF PAGES: Approximately 350 pages in each volume
VOLUMES: 1 to 10
SIZE: 26x 18 x 3.7 cm (each)
Privately printed for subscribers only, limited edition of 1500 copies. This is the 20th edition.
The Katha Sarita Sagara ("Ocean of Streams of Stories") is a famous 11th-century collection of Indian legends, fairytales and folk tales as retold in Sanskrit by Somadeva Bhatta.
According to the introductory text, it is considered the "earliest collection of stories extant in the world." Tawney's translation, first published in 1880-84, was the first complete translation in English. Penzer's edition is greatly expanded with detailed notes and commentary.
Tawney's is the only complete translation into English from the Sanskrit. The translation was originally published by the Asiatic Society ofBengal in their series "Bibliotheca Indica" in two volumes, 1880-1884 (with an index published in 1887). This 1924-1928 edition edited by Penzer includes many additional notes. Somadeva's Ocean of Story includes extended tales-within-tales, making itdifficult to keep track of the original story (c.f. the Hitopadesa). Somadeva assembled the collection in the 11th Century from earlier sources. No earlier collection of stories as large as
Somadeva's Ocean of Story has survived through to the present day.
This lot will be sold in "as is" condition.
There may be some minor tears/creases scratches, or holes commensurate with age that may not be visible in the images.
The books on sale in this auction are rare, out-of-print and otherwise collectible, dating from the 19th century on wards. The technology and material for printing and binding books has evolved over the last few centuries. From being the exclusive preserve of Clergy and Kings to an item of everyday application, the availability and use of books has also evolved over time. Books age over time and deterioration in a book's condition depends on many factors, including the original materials used and conditions of usage over time. Books will often show signs of foxing, fading, shelf-ware or dust jacket damage through usage. Prolonged storage may also cause wormhole damage or water stains.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Storyltd shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.