The Grand Master or Adventures of Qui Hi in Hindostan: A Hudibrastic Poem in Eight Cantos

Thomas Rowlandson, The Grand Master or Adventures of Qui Hi in Hindostan: A Hudibrastic Poem in Eight Cantos, London: Thomas Jegg, No. 111, Cheapside, 1816

iii-x; 252 pp. including 1 folding aquatint frontispiece [actually an elephant caricature]; 1 aquatint pictorial title; 25 aquatint plates illustrated with engravings by Thomas Rowlandson and 1 with sepia wash. Without cancel leaf C8 (pp. 31-32), and errata slip, both “frequently missing” (Tooley 412). Minor mispagination: 30-33, 73-74 repeated; full leather bound with gilt text and five raised bands at the spine
9.6 x 6 in (24 x 15 cm)

The Grand Master or Adventures of Qui Hi in Hindostan: A Hudibrastic Poem in Eight Cantos is an 1816 satirical work, often attributed to William Combe under the pseudonym "Quiz," with illustrations by the renowned caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson. This poem offers a biting critique of British colonial rule in India, particularly targeting figures like Lord Moira, the Marquis of Hastings, who served as Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief in India during that period.

The narrative delves into the eccentricities and moral ambiguities of colonial administration by following the character "Qui Hi?"—a term that is colloquially used to refer to British residents in India—through a series of misadventures. The poem utilizes Hudibrastic verse, which is distinguished by its satirical and humorous rhyming couplets, to ridicule the follies of the East India Company and the missionaries' attempts to convert the local populace, frequently disregarding indigenous customs and beliefs.

Complementing the text are 26 hand-coloured aquatint plates by Rowlandson, including a folding frontispiece and an illustrated title page. The satirical tone is further emphasized by these vivid illustrations, which depict exaggerated scenarios that emphasize the poem's critical perspective on British imperialism and cultural insensitivity.

LIST OF PLATES
1. A New Map of India from the Latest Authority (folding plate)
2. Title page
3. [A Scene in the Channel]
4. The Modern Idol Juggernaut
5. Miseries of the First of the Month
6. The Burning System Illustrated
7. Missionary Influence or How to make converts
8. An Extraordinary Eclipse
9. Labour in vain or his reverence confounded
10. Hindoo prejudices
11. John Bull converting the Indians
12. More Incantations or a Journey to the interior
13. Miseries in India
14. The Bear and Ragged Staff
15. Hindoo Incantations a View in Elephanta
16. Phantasmagoria a View in Elephanta
17. The Modern Phaeton or the Hugely in Danger
18. Qui Hi arrives at the Bunder Hotel
19. Qui Hi in the Bombay tavern
20. Pays a nocturnal visit to Dungaree
21. Attends General Koir Wigs Levee
22. Qui Hi's Introduction & cool reception
23. Qui Hi shews off at Bobbery Hunt
24. Qui Hi at Bobbery Hall
25. All Alive in the Chokee
26. Last Visit from Doctors Assistant
27. Qui Hi's last march to Padree Burrows's Go Down

NON-EXPORTABLE

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