EDEN, Emily (1797-1869)

Up the Country: Letters Written to Her Sister from the Upper Provinces of India

London: Richard Bentley, 1866. 2 vols. [Second edition of Volume I, First edition of Volume II]. 8vo. (8 x 5 1/4 inches). [Vol. I:] vi, 302 pp. [Vol. II:] [ii], 263 pp.; 20-page catalogue dated June 1865.

Bound by Edmond and Remnants, London, in original red cloth, gilt decorations and lettering

Emily Eden, daughter of William Eden, first baron Auckland, was well-placed to observe and record all aspects of Indian life. She accompanied her brother, George, Lord Auckland (1784-1849) to India where he served as Governor-General from 1835-1842. A highly gifted amateur artist and writer, Eden recorded her observations of life in India during this period in the form of letters and an extensive collection of sketches. The resulting works are Portraits of the People and Princes of India (London, 1844), which reproduced 24 of her splendid watercolor portraits, and "Up the Country" which contained the letters she wrote to her sister Fanny, describing the many places and people she encountered. They were published after her return to England and have been greatly admired "as a classic of the Raj" - Robinson. Eden later published numerous stories (some set in India) and two novels, most notably The Semi-Detached House (1859).

Robinson, Wayward Women: A Guide to Women Travellers, p. 210; Theakstone, Victorian & Edwardian Women Travellers, p. 131.

Item #41484

Price: $1,200.00