Contemporary manuscript copy signed J. Tapner [John?]. Two epistles in heroic couplets, each with an Argument and extensive prose notes keyed to line numbers, of descriptions of flora, fauna, cuisine, arts and architecture, and anecdotes on religion, customs, and history. Epistle I includes discussion of: the "riches of the Kingdom of Madura under its Hindoo Kings;" the "magnificence and sanctity of the Pagodas;" the "strong resemblance between the Hindoo and Egyptian deities." Epistle II includes: "Eulogy of Trimul Nag King of Madura before the Conquest and Division of that Kingdom by the Tartars" and other anecdotes about his palace, wives, and reign; descriptions of the Royal Gardens; "Transition to the present happy situation of the Carnatic under the British Government;" a "hint of what remains to be done for the prosperity of India;" and praise for Lord Macartney for giving "a system of life which tun'd to harmony a land of strife." Notes refer to various East India Company officials including Lords Clive and Hastings, and quote from letters by other "high persons" to Macartney
Description:
Binding: red sprinkled edges, contemporary vellum over boards, with title on spine: 46 Irwin's Hindoo Garden; and inscription on front cover: Hayley., In English., and No illustrations. The text contains only blank frames with captions for the intended content.
Subject (Geographic):
India, Carnatic (India), and Madurai (India)
Subject (Name):
Hayley, William, 1745-1820., Irwin, Eyles, 1751?-1817., Macartney, George Macartney, Earl, 1737-1806., and East India Company.
Subject (Topic):
Epistolary poetry, English, English poetry, Hinduism and politics, History, Description and travel, and Religious life and customs
Manuscript of a travel diary which opens with the writer already in Rome on December 11, 1765, documents his sojourn in Italy, and concludes with a journey to Vienna, Berlin, and finally Potsdam one year later. The unidentified author describes the art and architecture of several Italian cities, the studios of artists and art dealers in Rome, and military sites, garrisons, and installations in Venice, Toulon and Austria, as well as the docks and warships of Naples
Description:
Bookplate: Ver Hayden de Lancey of the Middle Temple and Grey's Inn., Flyleaf note: "Diary of a stay in Rome 1764/64 and a journey from Rome to Berlin via Naples Marseilles - Genoa - Milan - Parma -Bologna , Venice and Vienna. by a member of the de Lancey family" , possibly in the hand of Baron Ver Hayden de Lancey., and Binding: original limp vellum with flap; remains of wax seal with coat of arms on flap and back cover.
Subject (Geographic):
Europe, Italy, and Naples (Italy)
Subject (Topic):
Military art and science, Travelers' writings, English, Travel diaries, Description and travel, and History