memoir conquest java subsequent operations von thorn william (1 Ergebnisse)

First edition; 4to (30.5 x 24.5 cm); large double-sheet engraved map as frontispiece, 18 further engraved maps and plans (12 of which folding), 17 plates (4 of which folding), one engraved and the rest aquatints by J. Jeakes, touch of very light spotting, minor marginal tears to hinges of frontispiece map, small tear to margin only of plate 20; modern half black morocco, marbled boards, spine lettered in gilt in six compartments, a near-fine copy; xxiv, 370 pp. One of the most important early books on Java alongside Raffles' Java. The book is notable for its fine aquatint views of Batavia. The plates are by Joseph Jeakes who worked as a painter and engraver in London, probably after drawings by Johannes Rach and his school. 'The most important of these is the Water Castle (Taman Sari), built by Sultan Hamenkubuwana I of Jogjakarta from 1758, the first print to depict this justly famed architectural wonder of central Java' (Bastin). William Thorn (1781-1843) served in the Maratha Wars under Lord Lake and in the expeditions against Mauritius in 1810 and Java in 1811, becoming Deputy Quartermaster-General of the British army in the island, and took part in the actions against Palembang and Jogjakarta in 1812. Abbey (Travel), 553; Bastin & Brommer p.7.