[Sri Lanka] Knox, R. Relation ou Voyage de l'Isle de Ceylan, dans les Indes Orientales

Amst., Paul Marret, 1693. 2 volumes in 1 binding, (22),218; (6),180,(28) p. With engr. frontispiece, large fold. engr. map of the island and 17 (mostly fold.) engr. plates. Contemp. vellum, 12mo.

Extensive manuscript annotations and an index on endpapers, made by J.B. Walbdeck, ca. 1710, who also inscribed his name on the title-p. Below it, an entry in Arabic script, with some passages underlined in red ink. Woodcut seal on verso of title. Binding soiled, spine sl. dam., some plates w. sm. tears (partially restored), otherwise in good condition. The first French edition of this work which originally appeared in English in 1681 (An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon). Robert Knox (1641-1720) was an English captain in the service of the British East India Company. He was held captive between 1659 and 1679 by king Rajasingha II of Kandy in the Sri Lanka interior, an experience partially recounted in this work. The book is still considered a key source on the indigenous culture of seventeenth century Sri Lanka.