Curry and Rice: On Forty Plates; or, The Ingredients of Social Life at "Our Station in India"

Captain George Francklin Atkinson, Curry and Rice: On Forty Plates; or, The Ingredients of Social Life at "Our Station in India", London: Day and Son, circa 1860, third edition.

40 tinted lithograph plates, from the original sketches by the author. Each satirical illustration has two pages of accompanying text; the original publisher's orange cloth has elaborate decorations in gilt and is stamped in blind after a design by Sir M. Digby Wyatt (1820-1877). All edges gilt
11.5 x 9.5 (29 x 24 cm)

A contemporary ownership inscription appears on the front free endpaper reading:
"Belle Prince from her affectionate Brothers, Aug. 8th '80 (partially obscured and difficult to decipher).

A profusely illustrated work regarding India in the nineteenth century. Providing a somewhat satirical insight into the occupied colonies in India.

Each satirical illustration has two pages of accompanying text. The text and photographs showcase life at a British colonial station in Bengal. Importance is drawn on British officials and residents of a high social status such as the magistrate, colonel, and doctor.

Since our chief interest here lies with the food and the cooking thereof, Atkinson’s arrangement of his forty plates—possibly in order of importance to him—rendered “Our Cook Room” as number thirty-four (34) out of forty, with other food-related chapters (36. “Our Pig-Sticking,” 37. “Our Garden," and 38. “Our Farm Yard"). Interestingly enough, number 39 is “Our Wedding” …).

To the preface Atkinson mentions that this work is 'drawn to exhibit the customs of society on the Bengal side' of India, 'as it was necessary throughout to adhere to some one character of people among whom the English were located.' He communicates his humour in the work and says, 'My object was not to illustrate perfection but to afford amusement.'

NON-EXPORTABLE