Books on Calcutta and India [Set of 4]
a) Montague Massey, Recollections of Calcutta for over half a century, Calcutta: Thacker Spink & Co., 1918
xvii + 114 pages including 105 black and white halftone photographic plates by Bourne & Shepp; original publishers pictorial cloth boards
8.6 x 5.9 x 0.9 in (22 x 15 x 2.5 cm)
Very scarce volume of 1918 about the city of Calcutta published to the benefit of Red Cross by Montague Massey. As the title of the book suggests, "Recollections of Calcutta For Half A Century" is all about Calcutta and its development from 50 years ago till 1918. The growth of Calcutta and the succession of viceroys who oversaw British India from Calcutta until 1911. Delhi would afterwards become the nation's capital.
The author describes the city of Calcutta during one of his travels, typography, street and general structural improvements. Inside there are 105 photographic plates featuring areas of Calcutta including Government House, Belvedere, Medical College Hospital, Eden Gardens, St Paul's Cathedral, Nimtollah, Burra Bazaar, Chipore Road, Govindpur, Colvin Ghat, Howrah Bridge, Bank of Bengal Ranken & Co, House Street, Belatee Bungalow, Dalhousie Square, The Old ROyal Exchange, Prinsep's Ghat, Hamilton & co., Mc Leod's & co., Alliance bank di Simla, Esplanade, Sir Stuart Hogg Market, W. Leslie & Co., Walter Locke, Park House, Chowringhee etc.
b) H E Busteed, Echoes from old Calcutta: Being chiefly reminiscences of the days of Warren Hastings, Francis, and Impey, London: W Thacker and Co., 1908
xvi + 359 pages, 8 unnumbered leaves of plates including illustrations, map, portraits; original publisher's pictorial cloth boards
8.5 x 6.1 x 1.7 in (21.8 x 15.5 x 4.5 cm)
This book by H E Busteed represents Old Calcutta mostly, with the memoirs of the days of Warren Hastings, Philip Francis, and Sir Elijah Impey. This book covers British Indian historical episodes from the Black Hole of Calcutta, Philip Francis and his times, letters from Warren Hastings to his wife, the Hamilton tradition, to the trial of Nuncomer.
c) G W Forrest, Cities of India: Past and Present, London: Archibald Constable & Co Ltd, 1905
xvi + 356 pages including 60 black and white halftone photographic plates and 1 map of India; original publisher's cloth binding
8.6 x 5.7 x 1.3 in (22 x 14.5 x 3.5 cm)
"Cities of India: Past and Present" is a book written by George William Forrest, who was a British educator, journalist and historian, in India from 1872 to 1900. It is a comprehensive exploration of various cities in India, focusing on their historical significance, architectural heritage, and cultural aspects.
In this book Forrest provides detailed accounts of several cities across India, highlighting their past glory and examining their contemporary conditions at the time of writing. The book covers a wide range of cities, including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and many others.
The book offers insights into the historical development of these cities, delving into their origins, growth, and transformation over the centuries. Forrest explores the architecture, monuments, and landmarks that define each city, providing descriptions and historical context. He also discusses the cultural, social, and religious aspects that contribute to the unique character of each city.
Forrest's work combines historical research, personal observations, and anecdotes, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the cities he covers. He pays particular attention to the impact of British colonial rule on the cities and how it shaped their urban landscapes and cultural fabric.
The book is highly regarded for its detailed and scholarly approach. It remains a valuable resource for historians, architects, urban planners, and anyone interested in the history and culture of India's cities. Despite being published in the early 20th century, the book's insights into India's urban heritage continue to be relevant and informative.
d) Frank Elias, The Gorgeous East: India, Burma, Ceylon, and Siam, London: Adam and Charles Black, 1913
viii + 221 pages including 32 colour plates and a map of India; original publisher's cloth binding
8.3 x 6.1 x 1.6 in (21.2 x 15.5 x 4.3 cm)
(Set of four)
NON-EXPORTABLE