DESCHAMPS, John

Scenery and Reminiscences of Ceylon

London: Published for the Author by Ackermann and Co., 1845. Folio. (19 1/4 x 13 1/4 inches). [4], 48 pp., plus lithographed additional title and 12 lithographed plates.

Publisher's green cloth boards, upper cover stamped in gilt, expertly rebacked to style with dark green morocco

Rare folio lithographed view book of Ceylon.

Deschamps, an officer in the Royal Artillery, spent nine years in Sri Lanka (1828-1838), during which time he compiled the material contained in this work. He aims were broad, and as he noted in his preface included representing the scenery, customs, objects, dress, and professions. "The views are twelve in number and have been selected as representing some of the scenes and objects most familiar to those who are acquainted with Ceylon, and, as being, from their associations, most likely to prove interested to the generality of them; and, at the same time, every opportunity has been seized to illustrate costumes, as well as the habits and occupations of the natives" (Preface). The images, after drawings by the author, are lithographed by Giles and Hanhart. The plates comprise: Fort of Colombo; The Galli Face Esplanade; Adam's Peak and the Take of Colombo; Slave Island; Adam's Peak and Slave Island; Colpitty; The Ferry House; Bhudhist Temples; The Ferry at Bentotte; The Rock of Mulkirricalle; The Lake of Kanuy; Great Elephant Kraal.

Abbey Travel 414.

Item #34617

Price: $12,000.00