Description of the Character, Manners, and Customs of the People of India; and of their Institutions, Religious and Civil. Translated from the French Manuscript.
London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, 1817. First edition. Bound in late 19th century half calf, marbled boards. A little light spotting to extremities. Title on spine. A very good copy. The book bears the owner's signature of T.J. Powell, Brecon. This would seem to be the Welsh composer and conductor Thomas James Powell. A little rubbing to the binding, which has been restored. Book is in very good, clean condition, with a touch of foxing to the initial pages.
xxvii, [1, blank], 565 pp. 270 by 210mm (10¾ by 8¼ inches).
Although translated from the French, this was the first Edition. A classic analysis of Hindu society. Jean-Antoine Dubois, 1765-1848, French catholic missionary, sailed in 1792 to India where he spent twenty-seven years, serving first in Pondichery, then at Mysore and Mangalore.