RAFFLES, Lady Sophia (1786-1858). Memoir of the Life and Public Services of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, F.R.S . Particularly in the Government of Java, 1811-1816, and of Bencoolen and its Dependencies, 1817-1824; with details of the commerce and resources of the Eastern Archipelago, and selections from his correspondence. London: Gilbert & Rivington for John Murray, 1830.

First edition, uncut, in original cloth. This extensive biography of Thomas Raffles, founder of Singapore, contains much detail and archival documentation. In the concise assessment of the ODNB, Raffles sought to put into practice in his colonial administration the most advanced, liberal Western views of his day, whose most enduring monument is Singapore itself. Four of the plates are by William Daniell, made during his two visits to Java, and one – of the corpse lily [Rafflesia Arnoldi], the largest individual flower on earth – is by Franz Bauer. The panorama of Singapore and its harbour is as viewed from Government Hill. Bastin & Brommer p.6, note 94; Abbey Travel 555 (one of 12 copies, with 2 additional maps).

Quarto (287 x 218mm). Frontispiece portrait frontispiece, folding panoramic aquatint view of Singapore, 5 plates and 4 maps, 3 folding (spotting and browning in plates and maps, very occasional spotting in text, neat repaired tear in one leaf, panorama offset). Original russet cloth boards, paper spine label with original price (spine lightly faded, joints repaired); modern half morocco box.

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