TRAJES ASIÁTICOS en Cuarenta y Cuatro Estampas Iluminadas según Dibujos al Natural, con una esplicación para cada una / Interesting historical events, relative to the provinces of Bengal, and the empire of Indostan (Set of two)
a) Rudolph Ackerman, TRAJES ASIÁTICOS en Cuarenta y Cuatro Estampas Iluminadas según Dibujos al Natural, con una esplicación para cada una (Asian costumes, in 44 colour prints drawn from nature with explanatory note for each), London: R. Ackermann, 1828
88 pages with 44 hand-coloured plates and 2-page text in Spanish for each plate, captions and chapter titles in English; contemporary half-leather binding with marbled endpapers
7 x 4 x 0.7 in (17.5 x 10 x 2 cm)
Despite its title the book is entirely on India, except for 2 plates on Burma. This work is known for its vibrant illustrations of costumes, consisting of 44 colour prints of costumes. The beautifully hand-coloured aquatint plates provide a visual exploration of the diverse and intricate traditional attire of various Asian cultures essentially Indian. The accompanying explanatory notes add depth to the visual experience, offering insights into the cultural and historical context of each costume.
Ackermann, a prominent publisher and lithographer of his time, was recognized for producing high-quality illustrated books. During the liberal exile of 1823 - 1834, there were numerous collaborations between the German emigrant publisher Rudolph Ackermann and the Spanish community in London, both for the consumption of the emigrants themselves and for the growing Spanish American market. This book is one such example of the collaboration.
This book reflects the 19th century fascination with exotic cultures and growing interest in ethnographic studies. It serves as a valuable historical and artistic document, capturing the essence of Asian attire as perceived and interpreted during that period.
b) John Zephaniah Holwell, Interesting historical events, relative to the provinces of Bengal, and the empire of Indostan : with a seasonable hint and perswasive [sic] to the honourable the court of directors of the East India Company : as also the mythology and cosmogony, fasts and festivals of the Gentoo's, followers of the Shastah : and a dissertation on the metempsychosis, commonly, though erroneously, called the Pythagorean doctrine, London: T. Becket & P.A. de Hondt, 1766-1771
3 parts bound in 1 volume
Part I: [ii], 233, [i], 5 folding maps
Part II: [iv] 152, 5 folding plates
Part III: [i] 226 pages
Quarter grey cloth over brown paper. Abbreviated title printed to paper label to spine. Previous owner's name inked to front pastedown.
8.2 x 5.3 x 1.7 in (21 x 13.6 x 4.5 cm)
John Zephaniah Holwell's book is a multifaceted exploration of the cultural, historical, and mythological aspects of Bengal and Indostan during the 18th century.
Holwell, who was a surgeon and employee of the East India Company and a temporary Governor of Bengal (1760), provides a comprehensive narrative that extends beyond historical events. The work encompasses a persuasive message to the honourable Court of Directors of the East India Company. Moreover, it delves into the mythology and cosmogony, including the fasts and festivals of the Gentoo's, followers of the Shastah. A significant part of the book is dedicated to a dissertation on metempsychosis, commonly, though erroneously, referred to as the Pythagorean doctrine.
Holwell's compilation serves as a valuable historical document, offering insights into the socio-cultural fabric of Bengal and Indostan during a critical period. It blends historical accounts with an exploration of religious and philosophical beliefs, providing a nuanced understanding of the region's diverse facets. The persuasive element directed at the East India Company adds a layer of advocacy, making the work not just a historical account but also a plea for certain considerations or actions.
Holwell also wrote a book on the famous Black Hole of Calcutta in 1750s.
(Set of two)
NON-EXPORTABLE