8vo. [1], 288 pp., / 318 pp, [1 errata], 7 copper engraved folding plates, of which one is the plan of the citadel of Calcutta, contemporary full calf, period binding with marbled endpapers and outer edges, slightly rubbed round edges, professionally restored and reinforced upper spine, index, light foxing throughout, 4 very small perforations on plate 4 of the second volume, otherwise copy complete and in very good condition, Dentu, AN IX, Paris, first edition, 1801.

Synopsis

A RARE WORK. Loius-Marie-Joseph De Grandpré (1761-1846), narrates in this work a journey he made in 1790 through the Red Sea to India and Bengal. Grandpré began his voyage in the French-controlled Île de France (Isle of France), as Mauritius was called, passed by the Maldives, visited the Seychelles, India, Cochin China (Vietnam), Yemen, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), where he toured the fortress of Trincomale on the eastern coast of the island. Grandpré was very much concerned with the relative influence of the different European powers in the places he visited, especially India. His work includes a detailed analysis of the position of the French at Pondicherry, the main center of French influence in India… Much of this narrative also deals with Arab trade and presence in India, and their influence on Indian architecture and life in general. The author gives a detailed account of Aden, the main port of Yemen. He also describes in details the importance and role Mokha played in the trade and production of coffee. In his account of social life in Arabia, De Grandpré discusses the importance of horses in the life of the Arab Bedouins, the Arab architecture, mosques, costumes, horsemanship, and gives a minute observation on the political system of Yemen based on information he got from the governor of the port of Bahr. He also reports on the activities and competition between the French and British in that area.
Bibliographic references: Chadenat, 555; Henze II, 386; Gay 3317bis; Querard, III, 447.