Colonial Elegance and Exotic Charm: A Visual & Poetic Journey through 1910 Burma

Title: Pictures from Lotus Land Authors: Photographs by Mrs. Ernest Muriel (Frances Matilda Muriel); Verses described by R.C.J. Swinhoe (Rodway Charles John Swinhoe) Publisher: Rowe & Co., Rangoon Publication Year: 1910 (with an estimated range of dates due to various reprints) Size: Oblong folio Composition: ff. [25] + 24 mounted plates - 8 in color (possibly chromolithographs) and the remaining in photogravure Material: Printed on buff paper, bound in original buff card wrappers, printed in black Binding: Stitched with brown yarn as issued Condition Notes: A degree of offsetting from the plates is present. The wrappers show signs of wear with rubbing and chipping around the edges. The rear wrapper has a noticeable crease. Rarity: This is a scarce collection, which combines poetry with photographs depicting the landscape and culture of colonial Burma, now known as Myanmar. Photographer: Frances Matilda Muriel (1860-1953), was the wife of a civil servant stationed in Burma. Verse Writer: Rodway Charles John Swinhoe (1863-1927), was a solicitor and librettist based in Mandalay. Historical Context: The book captures the essence of colonial Burma through the lens of a resident expatriate, and the verses complement the visual journey. It is not only a photographic collection but also a poetic travelogue. Dating Information: Although the primary publication date is listed as 1910, the exact date of this copy is uncertain. Two of the included poems were set to music by J.W.J. Alves, published in 1909 and 1910. Institutional records indicate various dates ranging from 1900 to 1948, with copies held at notable libraries like SOAS and GSA, and a special green cloth variant for the British Empire Exhibition in 1924. Collectible Value: Its scarcity and the unique combination of visual and poetic documentation make this book a valuable collector's item, especially for those interested in the history and culture of Myanmar, colonial history, photography, and poetry of the early 20th century.…