Heading:
Author: Symes, Michael
Title: An Account of an Embassy to the Kingdom of Ava, Sent by the Governor-General of India, in the Year 1795
Place Published: London
Publisher:Printed by W. Bulmer and Co.
Date Published: 1800
Description:

[iii]-xxiii, [1 errata], 503, [1] pp. 2 folding maps, 17 plates accompanying text, and 8 additional botanical plates at rear. (Folio) 32.5x25 cm (12¾x10”), modern full dark calf, red gilt-stamped morocco spine label, all edges marbled, new marbled endpapers. First Edition.

Valued for the first accurate chart of the Irrawaddy River, and one of the most detailed accounts of Burma and the Kingdom of Ava. A major in the British Army in India, where he arrived in 1788, Symes was sent in 1795 on a diplomatic mission to Burma, and achieved success, obtaining from the Emperor of Ava a royal order permitting a British agent to reside in Rangoon to protect the interests of British residents there. The work presents not only an account of the mission, but of Burma itself, its culture, history, etc. Previous owner blindstamp to title page.

Spine slightly faded, light internal toning and wear; first map attached with tape, not affecting image; Irrawaddy River map with 4 cm tear; overall near fine.