Cleopatra:

fine Sangorski & Sutcliffe binding for Ranjitsinhji, Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar

Inscription reads: 'Maharaja Jamsahib of Nawanahar, March 1923, Staines'. The first bookplate reads 'Maharaja Jam Shri Sir Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji, G.B.E., K.G.S.I.' and the second reads 'The Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar, Jamnagar'.

Specially bound copy by Sangorski & Sutcliffe of this book on Cleopatra for Colonel Kumar Sri Sir Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji II (1872–1933), often simply known as Ranjitsinhji, the great Indian cricketer and later Maharaja of Jamnagar, Gujarat, from 1907 to 1933.

'As Maharaja of Nawanagar from March 1907, he was a progressive ruler and statesman and set an example by the simplicity of his personal life. He modernized his capital of Jamnagar, developed the seaport of Nawanagar, and built roads, railways, and irrigation facilities. During World War I he was a British army staff officer in France, attaining the rank of colonel. In 1920 he represented the Indian states at the League of Nations Assembly, Geneva, and in 1932 he became chancellor of the Indian Chamber of Princes. He was knighted in 1917, 1919, and 1923' (Encyclopedia Britannica).

8vo (21.5 x 15.5 cm); two bookplates to endpapers and inscription to first blank by Ranjistsinhji, finely bound in full deerskin by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, with elaborate Egyptology inspired multi-coloured morocco onlay borders, turn-ins, and spine compartments, contrasting morocco lettering piece to second compartment, with detailed onlay vignette of Cleopatra to upper board and of a scarab to lower board, all edges gilt, silk endpapers, with, a fine copy; v, [1], 349 pp.