BROOKE, JAMES.

Narrative of Events in Borneo and Celebes, down to the Occupation of Labuan: From the Journals of James Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak, and Governor of Labuan. Together with a Narrative of the Operations of H.M.S. Iris. By Captain Rodney Mundy. With numerous Plates, Maps, Charts and Woodcuts. 2 Vols.

London, John Murray, 1848. 8vo. Bound in 2 fine, well-preserved contemporary half calf. Richly gilt spines. Tome- and title-labels with gilt lettering. Marbled edges. 2 frontispieces (engraved portrait a. lithographed tinted view). XVII,386;XI,396 pp., 5 engraved folded maps (1 hand-coloured), 5 tinted lithographed plates, 11 plates in woodcut. Internally clean and fine. Some brownspots to the portrait.

First edition. "In the nineteenth century, James Brook (1803-1866), English gentleman-adventurer, ensured that Borneo would figure in Western imaginations and encyclopedias as rather more, or less, rhan Pigafetta's luminous projection. Aided by british naval might and complacent locals, Brooke suppressed piracy in Sarawak, in return securing a pledge granting him sole rights to the district." (Jenifer Speake in "Literature of Travel and Ecploration.."p. 116).

Order-nr.: 42526