Bruton, William

FIRST EDITION, small 4to (183 x 139mm.), [ii], 36pp., one engraved plate [The Grand Idoll Iagernat], large woodcut view in the text, speckled calf, marbled endpapers, gilt edges, by Bedford, plate restored at outer edge just affecting engraved area, final leaf with a few letters in good pen facsimile, title and a few leaves with some soiling

Huth library, book label; John Camp Williams, book label; Boies Penrose, bookplate (sale in these rooms, 7 June 1971, lot 36)

Some repairs and soiling inside; binding in good condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A very rare work with a distinguished provenance, the Huth-Williams-Penrose copy. The first English account of Bengal.

"One of the first English missions to attempt the establishment of official trading relations with the Mughuls in eastern India was sent to Orissa from Masulipatam in 1633. William Bruton, a seaman who accompanied this mission, was in Orissa from May to November of that year on a side-trip he undertook as part of a seven-year voyage in the service of the East India Company. While he committed to writing many of the observations made during his lengthy voyage, he realized on his return to England that most of his personal discoveries had already been anticipated in the publications of others. So he decided to publish only those of his own observations which could contribute something fresh to the information on India being accumulated in England. His experiences in Orissa [were published in this work which] was not printed again during the seventeenth century" (Lach, Asia in the making of Europe, vol.3, p.673ff.).

No copies are recorded at auction in over 40 years.