An account of an Embassy to the Kingdom of Ava, sent by the governor-general of India, in the year 1795.

Folio: xxi (of xxiii)-[1]-503-[1] pp.; 28 pl. (half title missing; some normal toning and occ. spotting).

Contemp. marbled calf, boards decorated with gilt frame, spine with raised bands (spine rebacked, edges rubbed).

First edition of one of the oldest and most elaborated accounts on 18th century Burma (Myanmar) by the English lieutenant-colonel Michael Symes, particularly valuable because it was written before the Anglo-Burmese Wars (1st in 1823). Very important source on the then nearly unknown terrritories of the empire of Ava (lower Burma). Finely illustrated with a very large general folding map of the Ava empire by Thomas Wood, 1 fold. map of the draught of the river Irrawaddy, 26 plates (of which some on double-p.) depicting population in local attire, temples, Birman alphabet, local plants, the whole by T. Medland, Vincent and Mackenzie after Singey Bey. The last part of the book is devoted to rare and curious plants from the collection made by Buchanan.
Ref. Cordier, Indosinica, 445. - Brunet V:61. - Not in Chadenat.
Prov. Pull Court (Worcestershire), private school (bookpl.). - Unidentified bookpl.