Narrative of a Journey through the Upper Provinces of India, from Calcutta to Bombay, 1824-1825
Reginald Heber, Narrative of a Journey Through the Upper Provinces of India, from Calcutta to Bombay, 1824-1825. (With Notes Upon Ceylon,) an Account of a Journey to Madras and the Southern Provinces, 1826, and Letters Written in India, London: John Murray, 1829, fourth edition
(In 3 Volumes)
Volume I:I: lxvii, [1], 450 pages including 19 woodcut engraved plates + 1 large folded map of India in pocket
Volume II: vi, [2], 564 pages including 10 woodcut engraved plates
Volume III: vi, [2], 525 pages, [3], viii, 8 woodcut engraved plates
Red cloth binding with a caparisoned elephant along with a mahout and a Rajah embossed in gold on the front board and gilt text at the spine (each)
8.75 X 5.75 in (22cm x 14.5 cm) (each)
An exceptionally beautifully bound set rarely seen in such binding. Published posthumously by Amalia Heber, Reginald Heber's widow, this recounts his extensive journey, which he took across India and Ceylon.
In the foreword she writes: "Although written in the shape of a diary, the greater part of the work formed his correspondence with the editor,” a fact which she hopes will be borne in mind should some consider that he has dwelt less upon the professional objects of his journey than might have been anticipated. Reginald Heber was ordained Bishop of Calcutta in 1823; the seat of the bishop was only erected in 1814".
From 1824 he undertook extensive travels, especially to north-west India. He died surprisingly shortly after his return to Calcutta. A third edition appeared in the same year, followed by a French translation in 1830 and a German translation in 1831.
The book relates the author's travels in India and Ceylon while serving as the Bishop of Calcutta in a colourful and thorough manner. This personal journal-turned-correspondence presents an in-depth examination of the landscape, people, and cultures of the places visited in addition to a revealing look at Heber's responsibilities and difficulties as the leader of the Indian Church. The story also includes open reflections on Heber's own problems, experiences, and observations, highlighting his intense devotion to his calling and the sacrifices he took to live up to it. Each volume of the book is further improved by the wood-cut engravings that give Heber's colourful writing a visual component. This work is an invaluable resource for anybody interested in the history, culture, and religion of early 19th-century India and Ceylon. It is a monument to Heber's devotion to his spiritual duty and his great interest in the nations and people he served.
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