A descriptive dictionary of the Indian Islands & adjacent countries.

First edition of an authoritative work, in encyclopaedia form, on the Indonesian Archipelago. It is a sequel to Crawfurd's much-acclaimed History of the Indian Archipelago (1820). Initially the author planned to publish a second edition of his History, but "on mature consideration" he came to the conclusion that the subject "would be most conveniently and compendiously treated by an alphabetic arrangement" (preface). It is primarily concerned with Java, but also covers the Malay peninsula, Thailand (Siam), the Philippines, Cambodia and Cochin-China (Vietnam).The map has had extensive routes added in red ink (with arrows to indicate the direction of travel), identified as "AW (routes 1867-68)", and the pencilled itinerary for a 1868 "Molucca Voyage" no doubt belongs to one of these routes. With a small tear in the map (whose gutter margin is reinforced with grey paper), affecting only the border and open ocean. Still in good condition, and untrimmed. Binding slightly worn but also good. An essential source for any study of the East Indies in the 19th century.l Cordier, Indosinica, col. 1109; for the author: Turnbull, "Crawfurd, John (1783-1868)", in: ODNB (online ed.) Original publisher's blind-blocked brown cloth, sewn on 3 recessed cords, with a hollow back, title in gold on spine. With a folding engraved map of parts of the East Indies and Southeast Asia, with title "Asiatic Archipelago". Pages: [4], 459, [1 blank] pp. …