Title
Francois Valentijn's Description of Ceylon (Second Series) (Hakluyt Society, Second Series),Used
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Franois Valentijn's Oud en Nieuw OostIndien (Old and New East Indies) has for long been regarded as a primary source of information on a number of regions of maritime Asia. It is a veritable encyclopaedia, bringing together an array of facts, trivial and vital, from a wide range of contemporary and earlier literature, acknowledged and unacknowledged, and contains valuable excerpts from contemporary documents of the Dutch East India Company and from private papers. It is indeed a public archive. Despite this historic character of the work, it was never republished in full in a critical edition or made available in English translation. It has therefore remained relatively unknown and little read, except by the specialist wanting to quarry this mine of information for his particular purpose. This edition of Valentijn embraces the part dealing with Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in the fifth volume of Old and New East Indies. The island of Ceylon is one of three areas that has received the most detailed treatment in the work, with substantial sections devoted to geography, topography, society, natural history and the record of historical tradition. He also provides an almost contemporaneous account of the Dutch conquest of the island. For his description of Ceylon, Valentijn has had access to a variety of sources Sinalese, Portuguese and Dutch and has presented this material to us with his characteristic attention to detail. The volume now published with an introduction and explanatory notes is many things for many people: a geographer's manual, a naturalist's handbook, an anthropologist's collection of caste and custom, an antiquarian's record of tradition and a chronicler's narrative of history. One of the most informative writings on Ceylon is made available, for the first time, to the Englishreading public.
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- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book has three hundred ninety-five pages. It offers a comprehensive exploration of Ceylon, making it a valuable resource.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures seven point eight seven inches in length, five point five one inches in width, and one point five seven inches in height. These dimensions make it a manageable size for reading.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is bound in hardcover. Hardcover bindings are typically more durable and better suited for long-term use.
- Q: How should I read this book? A: You can read this book at your own pace, but it is recommended for those interested in historical and cultural studies. It's suitable for both casual readers and scholars.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic purposes? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic purposes. It serves as a primary source for researchers studying maritime Asia and Ceylon.
- Q: Can children read this book? A: This book is not specifically designed for children. Its content is more suited for adults and teenagers interested in history and geography.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: What is the condition of this used book? A: This is a used book in good condition. It may show some signs of wear but remains fully readable and intact.
- Q: How do I care for this hardcover book? A: Keep this hardcover book clean by dusting it gently with a soft cloth. Avoid moisture to protect the pages and binding.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: Yes, this book is part of the Hakluyt Society, Second Series. It contributes to a historical collection of writings on maritime Asia.
- Q: How does this book compare to other historical texts? A: This book offers a unique perspective on Ceylon compared to other historical texts due to its detailed accounts from various sources, including Dutch and Portuguese documents.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in history? A: Yes, while it contains detailed information, beginners interested in Ceylon's history may find it accessible with its narrative style.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged book? A: If you receive a damaged book, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers have policies in place for such situations.
- Q: What is the return policy for this book? A: Return policies vary by seller, but generally, if you are unsatisfied, you can return the book within a specified period. Check the seller's policy for details.
- Q: Are there any special instructions for using this book? A: No special instructions are required; simply read and enjoy the content. It's meant to be a resource for learning about Ceylon.
- Q: How do I find more books like this one? A: To find more books like this, check the Hakluyt Society's catalog or explore titles on maritime Asia in academic bookstores.