A History of Sumatra (Oxford in Asia Historical Reprint)

William Marsden (1754–1836) spent his youth working for the East India Company in Sumatra, arriving at sixteen and returning to seek new opportunities in England at twenty-five. Through his acquaintance with Sir Joseph Banks, and his interest in oriental studies, which later led to his admittance to the Royal Society, Marsden was inspired to write an account of the island.

His history was first published in 1783. Throughout his subsequent life he combined research and writing, especially on oriental languages and numismatics, and he was also First Secretary to the Admiralty at the time of the Battle of Trafalgar. Displaying a profound understanding of the local flora, fauna, history and people, Marsden provides an important account of a little-known part of Indonesia. Illustrated with botanical drawings, maps and local scenes.

Inspired by this experience, in 1783, he published his History of Sumatra. The book was based on his journals kept at Fort Marlborough and from information gained from the local Rejang people. It gave an extended discussion of the area’s natural history, geography and local languages and established Marsden’s scholarly reputation. A second edition followed later in the year, with a third following in 1784 and reprinted regularly. He also published a dictionary of the Malay language (1812) and several works on South- and Southeast-Asian coins based on the coins in his own collection (1823-5).

Large folding map of Sumatra at rear, 27 plates including portrait frontispiece with tissue guard, x + 479pp, index, 28 x 22cm.