This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2022
TOD, James, Lieut.–Col. (1782–1835). Travels in Western India, Embracing a Visit to the Sacred Mounts of Jains, and the Most Celebrated Shrines of Hindu Faith between Rajpootana and the Indus; with an Account of the Ancient City of Nehrwalla. London: William H. Allen, 1839. Large 4to. Half–title, 9 engraved or lithographed plates by W.F. Sterling after F. Mackenzie from original sketches by Colonel Hunter Blair, vignettes, appendix and errata at rear. (Some offsetting from plates to text). Retrospective half green straight–grain morocco, marbled sides, 6 compartments with raised bands gilt, elephant tooled centerpiece devices gilt in 5 compartments, gilt–titling in remainder. (Some marginalia in modern and contemporary hands, else fine). FIRST EDITION OF THIS RARE AND IMPORTANT NARRATIVE. Includes Lt. Col. James Tod’s journey from Udaipur to Mumbai via Mt. Abu, with an early detailed description of the religious customs of the hill tribes of Southern Rajasthan. The highly detailed engraved plates primarily show views of the region’s principal sacred buildings in their landscape. The village of Todgarh, which today is a wildlife sanctuary, was named by the Maharana of Udaipar to commemorate Tod’s work in the region. An exceedingly rare title with only a few examples selling in the rooms in the past century.