Francois Balthazar SOLVYNS (1760-1824). Les Hindous, ou description de leurs moeurs, coutumes et cérémonies. Paris: : chez l’Auteur, 1808-12. 48 parts in 4 volumes, 2°, Large Folio (566 x 410mm). Rare, complete copy in fine condition.
First edition of arguably the greatest book on India ever printed apart from The Oriental Scenery.
A native of Belgium, Balthazar Solvyns set sail for India in 1790, arriving in Calcutta the following year. Having undertaken a commission in 1792 for Alexander Kyd, the Surveyor-General in Calcutta, in which he provided illustrations for a report written for the East India Company on Kyd’s expedition to Penang and the Andaman Islands, Solvyns noticed the keen interest shown by the British in Indian costumes and ways of life. This led him to produce his comprehensive work on India, A Collection of Two Hundred and Fifty Coloured Etchings Descriptive of the Manners, Customs, and Dress of the Hindoos (Calcutta, 1799, 4°), encouraged by the orientalist, Sir William Jones. He issued the enlarged and improved French folio edition, Les Hindous, in 48 parts from 1808-1812, with 288 coloured plates (292 in total with titles) and an English translation by his English wife, Mary Anne Greenwood Solvyns. Abbey Travel 430; Brunet V, 432; Colas 2767; not in Lipperheide.
Out of the four volumes, the first is devoted to professions, including images of tradesmen and their tools, princes, and doctors. The second is attributed to dances, religious devotees, different types of musical instruments, and customs associated with marriage and death. The third volume depicts transportation and entertainment, including types of boats, games, modes of transportation, games, and various methods of smoking. And the fourth looks at classes of domestic servants and native flora and fauna.
This fascinating book is in our Special Collections and is only available for viewing and educational exhibitions at this moment. Offers are welcome and will be considered.