Forbes, James

4 volumes, 4to (29 1/2 x 9 1/4 in.; 299 x 235 mm). Half-titles, 92 (of 93) engraved or lithographed plates (93 plates are listed, but plate 80 was not, in fact, issued), many colored by hand, 4pp. "Directions to the Bookbinder" and errata leaf at end of vol. iv; uncolored plates somewhat spotted. Contemporary diced russia, covers with double gilt rules and bordered with gilt dentelles, spine with raised bands in six compartments, second and third gilt-lettered, others with elaborate repeat overall decoration in gilt, turn-ins gold ruled, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled; upper joint of vol. I expertly restored, joints staring, corners bumped. [With]: 'Illustrations to Oriental Memoirs'. London: Richard Bentley, 1835. 4to (12 3/5 x 9 3/4 in.; 315 x 247 mm). 83 engraved plates, 24 hand-colored; some foxing, primarily to black and white plates, one or two closed marginal tears, some offsetting. Original green cloth, paper labels to upper cover and spine; some fading, loss to spine label. 

Oriental Memoirs: Robert Hurst Esq. M.P., Horsham Park, June 1824 (red morocco book label to front pastedown of each volume), thence by descent — Sotheby's London, 5 September 2006, lot 60

Abbey, 'Travel' 436; Anker 148; 'Fine Bird Books' 75; Nissen ZBI 1409; Sitwell 96; Wood 345

4 volumes, 4to (29 1/2 x 9 1/4 in.; 299 x 235 mm). Half-titles, 92 (of 93) engraved or lithographed plates (93 plates are listed, but plate 80 was not, in fact, issued), many colored by hand, 4pp. "Directions to the Bookbinder" and errata leaf at end of vol. iv; uncolored plates somewhat spotted. Contemporary diced russia, covers with double gilt rules and bordered with gilt dentelles, spine with raised bands in six compartments, second and third gilt-lettered, others with elaborate repeat overall decoration in gilt, turn-ins gold ruled, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled; upper joint of vol. I expertly restored, joints staring, corners bumped. [With]: 'Illustrations to Oriental Memoirs'. London: Richard Bentley, 1835. 4to (12 3/5 x 9 3/4 in.; 315 x 247 mm). 83 engraved plates, 24 hand-colored; some foxing, primarily to black and white plates, one or two closed marginal tears, some offsetting. Original green cloth, paper labels to upper cover and spine; some fading, loss to spine label.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

First edition of one of the most universally valued studies of the culture and natural history of eighteenth-century India.As a writer for the British East India Company, James Forbes first travelled to India in 1765, and remained there until 1784. Fascinated by Indian life, as well a the country's flora, fauna, and striking architecture, he reputedly filled 52,000 manuscript pages with his notes. In 1781 he visited the Taj Mahal, and would then become one of the first Europeans to draw it. After returning to England and marrying, Forbes toured continental Europe extensively, until he voyaged to England once more to write 'Oriental Memoirs'.