Burton, Richard Francis

FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, AND IN FIRST BINDING, 8vo, viii, 368pp., half-title, dedication leaf, folding map, 4 tinted plates, original light fawn ribbed cloth, publisher and place on the spine, yellow endpapers, slipcase, occasional spotting, binding a bit soiled

Gerald Hunter Robinson, book label

Casada 37; Penzer, p.37

A fine copy
"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."

Burton's first book, one of three published in 1851. It describes his stay at Goa in 1847, the Hindus of Malabar and the Todas. It was in Goa that Burton added Portuguese to his already impressive list of languages, visiting the scenes of Camoens's Lusiads, of which he published a translation in 1880.

The priority of binding and issue of text was finally settled at the Quentin Keynes sale (Christie’s, 7 April 2004, lot 218) by the appearance of Burton's copy of the publisher's mock-up bound as above. Although this proof was without plates, the following lot contained a complete copy in an identical binding with the plates in the order which indicates the first issue: 1. Goa Creek, frontispiece; 2. Goa Cathedral, p.60; 3. Coonoor, p.265; 4. Toda Family, p.339.