Hamilton, Alexander (d. in or after 1733).

Estimate

800 - 1,200 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

A new account of the East Indies. Edinburgh: John Mosman, 1727

2 volumes, 8vo (196 x 116mm.), xx, x, 396; viii, 3-309, [1], 10pp., illustration: 8 folding engraved maps, 11 engraved plates (5 folding), binding: contemporary panelled calf, spine gilt in compartments, brown morocco lettering-piece, closed tear to the "Intra Ganges" map, the "Bay of Bengall" map detached, spotting, binding worn

Literature

Goldsmiths 6522; Cordier, Indosinica 890; Mendelssohn (1979) II, 492

Catalogue Note

first edition. Hamilton went to sea, in his own words "very young", in 1688, and travelled as far as the Barbary coast before basing himself in Surat and trading and travelling all over the Indian Ocean. He made a reputation for himself as a foul-mouthed, resourceful and bold operator fending off Baluchi robbers, treacherous governors and Indian pirates.