Sleeman, Captain W. H.

The Thugs, or Phansigars of India: Comprising a History of the Rise and Progress of That Extraordinary Fraternity of Assassins ; and a Description of the System Which it Pursues, and of the Measures Which Have Been Adopted By the Supreme Government ..etc.

Philadelphia Carey & Hart 1839, First Edition Three-Quarter Leather Fine - a history of the late 18th and early 19th century Indian / Hindustani criminal subculture popularly referred as " Thugs " by contemporary British observers - the present history was compiled by Captain W. H. Sleeman, Superintendent of Thug Police from contemporary sources, mainly a book entitled " Ramaseana, or a Vocabulary of the pecular Languages used by the Thugs " published in Calcutta in 1836 - the cult of assassins is well described, from their methods of murder, patois / slang, religion, superstitions, education, class & social structures, dangers of travel in India, their employment by Governments & factions and several hundred pages of interviews with captured Thugs - fascinating account - this is the first American edition, two volumes, 226 & 228 pages, bound in one - contemporary gilt stamped three quarter black morocco, marbled endpapers, very minor foxing to prelims, else a fine tight copy - a rare book, recently POD'd in a partial edition ?

• USD 1,250.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: 10666

• bookseller: Alphabet Bookshop (CANADA)