A Dictionary, Telugu and English

The most comprehensive dictionary of Telugu of its time by one of the key proponents of its revival in the nineteenth century.

Charles Philip Brown (1798-1884) was one of the first truly active advocates for Tulugu language literature and, while not the first to produce works on the language, was by far the most prolific in both practical texts such as the present works as well as translations. He also sought to move away from the more rigid attitudes of the first Sanskrit scholars and focus on contemporary meanings and uses of Telugu in a modern, rather than historical, context.

With over 1300 pages of definitions, exclusively confined to descriptions of Telugu words and phrases, the present work was by far the most comprehensive Telugu dictionary on publication. Also included is the work Brown produced to specifically describe words from other languages, largely Arabic and Persian, which were used in common parlance by contemporary Telugu speakers. This speaks to his belief in the use of these works to understand the language and its roots, rather than dogmatically educate East India Company officers for official purposes.

First editions; 4to (24.5 x 17.5 cm); 2 small marginal repairs to first half-title; later half calf, marbled boards, gilt spine in six compartments with gilt red morocco lettering piece, a fine copy; [iv], xvi, 1303; [iv], xxviii, 131 pp.