LANGLÈS (Louis). - Lot 71

LANGLÈS (Louis). Monuments anciens et modernes de l'Hindoustan, décrits sous le double rapport archæologique et pittoresque, et précédés d'une notice géographique, d'une notice historique, et d'un discours sur la religion, la législation et les mœurs des Hindous. Paris: Imprimerie de P. Didot l'aîné, 1821. - 2 volumes in-folio, 406 x 287: frontispiece, (2 ff.), 4, XII, 268 pp. 3 maps, 1 table, 56 plates; (2 ff.), 251 pp. 87 plates. Bradel-style pink âôer cardboard, smooth spine, untrimmed (contemporary binding). Chadenat, n°5234. - Brunet, III, 819-820. First edition of this superb work by orientalist Louis Langlès (1763-1824), founder of the École spéciale des langues orientales, who devoted ten years to its preparation. It appeared in 26 issues from 1813 to 1821, and was divided into 2 volumes. The first volume opens with a 164-page "Notice géographique de l'Hindoustan". This text is divided into four chapters, the first of which explores the extent, boundaries, natural and political divisions of Hindustan through the ages, while dwelling on the etymology of the name of this legendary land. The next two chapters are devoted to a lively description of India's main regions and cities, while the final chapter deals with broader aspects of historical geography. This is followed by a 64-page "Discourse on the Religion, Legislation, Manners and Customs of the Hindus", offering a detailed analysis of the cultural and social foundations of this civilization. A short note on the most famous languages of the peninsula and on the oldest Sanskrit books precedes an exposition of the mythological system of the Brahmans, before the volume closes with a "Notice historique de la presqu'île de l'Inde". The second volume contains a "description of the monuments of Hindustan": Madhoureh fortress and palace, Tanjaour pagoda and colossal ox, Tritchinapali rock and pagoda, Chalembrom pagoda, Rya-Cottè or Raya-Cottè, Verdabendroug, Djag-Deo, Warangor, Ouçour, burial place of the Muslim dynasty in Maïssour, sculpted rocks of Mavalipouram, Talicot pagoda, Kandji or Kandjéceram, Madras, underground temples of Élora, temple of Djagannâtha, temple of Indra, Doular Leyna, the Djénouassa or bridal square, Nilkant Mahdiou, Kaïlaça or Kéilacha, Des-Outar, the ashes of Ravana, Tyn-Tali, Dau-Tali, Biskourna, Dher-Wara, Aureng-Abad, Elephanta, Maha-Deva pagoda in Bombay, the underground temples of Salcette Island, the caves of Magatomie, and the underground temples of Keneri. This detailed description of Hindustan's ancient and modern monuments is aimed particularly at artists and antiquarians, offering a visual and historical immersion in an architectural and cultural heritage of unparalleled richness. The preliminary discourse and notes introduce the reader to an in-depth understanding of the history of the Hindus, their religion, customs and legislation, as well as the geography of this fascinating region. These thoroughly researched developments shed light on fundamental questions about the origins of the philosophical systems and knowledge that shaped the civilizations of the ancient world. The edition is illustrated with a frontispiece, 3 maps drawn by Barbié Dubocage, a table and 143 plates, including 17 in color or bistre. It appeared in three editions, on ordinary paper at 15 f., on wove paper with the letter at 24 f., and on wove paper before the letter at 36 f. (see Bibliographie de la France.) This is one of the copies on wove paper with illustrations and letter. It exceptionally includes 3 plates in 2 states (first edition and final edition): "Dame indienne à sa toilette" and "Nabâb passant une revue" in the first volume, and "Vue d'un Déohirah" in the second. A good copy as issued, entirely untrimmed. Rubbing and soiling to bindings, corners dulled. Some rare foxing. Discrete wormholes in the inner margin of the last leaves.