"Picturesque India" and "The Tourists India" [Set of 2]
a) W S Caine, Picturesque India, London: George Routledge and Sons Ltd., 1890
xliv + 624 pages with many engraved illustrations drawn by John Pedder, H Sheppard Dale and H H Stanton and a large colour-printed folding map of India in 2 sheets; green cloth with beveled boards, decorative gilt lettering, and black pictorial designs on the front and spine. All edges gilt. Green endpapers.
9 x 6.75 x 1.5 in (22.6 x 17 x 4 cm)
The book served as both a practical guide and an informative companion for those venturing into India in the past. It offered European travelers an in-depth exploration of India's diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and architectural marvels. Caine provides meticulous accounts of various regions, cities, and towns, highlighting their historical significance, cultural practices, and local customs. The book offered practical information on travel routes, accommodations, climate considerations, and essential preparations for travelers. Readers gained an understanding of India's religious diversity, festivals, and societal norms, fostering a deeper appreciation of the country's rich heritage.
Picturesque India stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with India's rich cultural tapestry and serves as a window into the experiences of European travelers in the late 19th century.
b) Eustace Reynolds-Ball, The Tourists India, London: Swan Sonnenschein & Co. Limited, 1907
xii, 364 pages including 28 black and white plates and 1 folding map; blue clothboard with decorative gilt pictorial board and gilt text at the spine
7.75 x 5.75 in (20 x 14.5 cm)
A meticulous journey through India's main cities and scenic landscapes is meticulously crafted by Eustace Reynolds-Ball, an accomplished travel writer and journalist who is renowned for his extensive works on global destinations. This book is more than merely a guide; it is a vivid portrait of India at the outset of the 20th century, made possible by his firsthand observations and profound comprehension of the country's rich history.
Reynolds-Ball offers captivating descriptions of renowned landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and a variety of temples, mosques, and palaces, in prominent locations such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Lahore, Benares, Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. In his captivating narrative, he delves into the captivating combination of ancient and modern influences that characterize India, elucidating the country's vibrant traditions, religious practices, and social customs.
The historical insights provided by the book are particularly valuable, as they provide a glimpse into the colonial administration, the impact of British authority, and the evolving socio-political landscape of the era. Reynolds-Ball also offers practical travel advice that is pertinent to modern travelers of his era, and his meticulous attention to detail renders this work an indispensable document of early tourism in India.
William Sproston Caine (1842–1903) was a British politician, temperance advocate, and travel writer. His extensive travels in India informed his writings, providing readers with authentic and detailed accounts of the subcontinent during the British colonial era.
(Set of two)
NON-EXPORTABLE
This lot will be shipped in "as is" condition. For further details, please refer to the images of individual lots as reference for the condition of each book.