Wanderings of a Pilgrim,

Stunningly bound example of a beautifully illustrated work on India with fine colour plates. Fanny Parkes (1794–1875) accompanied her husband, a customs official, to India in 1822 and, unlike other British wives, many of whom found the heat oppressive and the way of life uncongenial, thoroughly immersed herself in all things Indian and Hindu, becoming an avid and knowledgeable student of Hindu life and history.

Sir Charles Mills (1792-1872) was a director of the East India Company from 1822 until 1858. Upon the liquidation of the company by the Government of India Act 1858, he was appointed to the Council of India, acting as a financial adviser to the Secretary of State for India until resigning in 1868.

First edition; 2 vols, large 8vo (27.5 x 19 cm); 50 lithographed plates, of which 4 chromolithographed finished in hand-colour and varnish including frontispieces, 17 hand-coloured, 8 tinted, and a long folding panorama of the Himalayas, very occasional light foxing; contemporary half vellum, blue grained cloth boards, carmine edges, boards ruled in gilt, spine gilt, small professional repair to upper joint of first volume, a very good, fresh copy; xxxv, 479; xv, 523pp.

Abbey (Travel), 476; Robinson (Wayward Women), 218.