- 744
Knox, Robert
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Knox, Robert
- An Historical Relation of the Island of Ceylon, in the East-Indies... By Robert Knox, a Captive there near Twenty Years. London: Richard Chiswell, 1681
- paper
FIRST EDITION, folio (295 x 178mm.), xxiv, 190pp., [ii pp. adverts], folding engraved map, 15 engraved plates, with the license leaf [A1], eighteenth-century calf, gilt spine, red label, very small hole in centre-fold of map, the plate facing page 90 has a clean tear into the image
Provenance
Library of the Duke of Abercorn, pencil note
Literature
Wing K742
Condition
The condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description. The plate facing page 90 has a clean tear into the image
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The first account of Ceylon in English and ''a fundamental source for the economic history and anthropology of mid-seventeenth-century Ceylon'' (ODNB).
Whilst in the service of the East India Company in 1659 Knox was forced to put in to Kottiar Bay in Ceylon due to ship damage. Failing to send a letter of explanation for his presence to the king of Kandy, Rajasinha II, or to provide him with gifts as was customary, he was taken captive. He was kept under house arrest and in the following years was moved around Ceylon, taking on various occupations, until he managed to escape to the Dutch fort at Aripu in 1679. Daniel Defoe drew from Knox's experiences in writing Robinson Crusoe (published in 1719).