Relation ou Voyage de l'isle de Ceylan, dans les Indes orientales [...]. Enrichi de figures, avec la carte de l'isle.

2 pts in 1 vol., 12mo: front.-[22]-218, [6]-180-[28] pp.; 18 pl. (dampstaining, esp. in 1st part, lower corner of p. 129 of 1st part repaired, some tears to folds, occ. strengthened).

Mod. Bradel vellum, flat spine with red leather title label.

First French edition (1st Engl. 1681) of the first description of Sri Lanka. Ill. with a front. and 18 plates (13 fold.): map of the island and 17 pl. representing technics of agriculture and fishing, animals, executions, indigenous people, King Rajasinghe II, a High Priest, customs and costumes. The English sea captain Knox (1641-1720), probably Scottish, was captured with his father and 15 other prisoners by King Rajasinghe II while sailing to the Coromandel Peninsula on a ship of the British East India Company. After 19 years of captivity, Knox escaped from the island with one companion. His captivity and life on the island are described in his work.
Ref. Chadenat 2662, 4328 & 53949. - STCN.