Contemporary manuscript copy signed J. Tapner [John?]. Two epistles in heroic couplets, each with an Argument and extensive prose notes keyed to line numbers, of descriptions of flora, fauna, cuisine, arts and architecture, and anecdotes on religion, customs, and history. Epistle I includes discussion of: the "riches of the Kingdom of Madura under its Hindoo Kings;" the "magnificence and sanctity of the Pagodas;" the "strong resemblance between the Hindoo and Egyptian deities." Epistle II includes: "Eulogy of Trimul Nag King of Madura before the Conquest and Division of that Kingdom by the Tartars" and other anecdotes about his palace, wives, and reign; descriptions of the Royal Gardens; "Transition to the present happy situation of the Carnatic under the British Government;" a "hint of what remains to be done for the prosperity of India;" and praise for Lord Macartney for giving "a system of life which tun'd to harmony a land of strife." Notes refer to various East India Company officials including Lords Clive and Hastings, and quote from letters by other "high persons" to Macartney
Description:
Binding: red sprinkled edges, contemporary vellum over boards, with title on spine: 46 Irwin's Hindoo Garden; and inscription on front cover: Hayley., In English., and No illustrations. The text contains only blank frames with captions for the intended content.
Subject (Geographic):
India, Carnatic (India), and Madurai (India)
Subject (Name):
Hayley, William, 1745-1820., Irwin, Eyles, 1751?-1817., Macartney, George Macartney, Earl, 1737-1806., and East India Company.
Subject (Topic):
Epistolary poetry, English, English poetry, Hinduism and politics, History, Description and travel, and Religious life and customs