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- India Directory
India Directory, or Directions for Sailing to and from the East India, China.
Horsburgh, James.
Wm. H. Allen & Co., ( 1852), London
Tall 4to, 29 cm. 2 vols. xiv, (1)-xxiv, (1)-650; vii, (1)-890 pp.
Price: $1750
This is the sixth edition of one of the major books on navigation for the East Indies and China trades in the 19th century. It contains descriptions of coastal features along all the routes from England to the far east, and includes information on lighthouses, hazards to navigators, etc. One of the reasons for its continued use was that Horsburgh (who himself had experience in these waters) and later editors, continued to update his book using the most recent accounts and reports. Though it went through at least 8 editions from the time of its initial publication in 1809 to the middle of the 19th century, it is today a scarce book in any edition. It seems to be particularly esteemed by Continental dealers, who have several copies online for $15,000 – $20,000. This one is offered by an American dealer (me) for about 1/10th that price. For various editions, see Ferguson 481 and 1083. Sabin 33047. Last page of second volume is misnumbered 890 rather than 880. Bound in publisher’s blue cloth, which is soiled, and has had repairs to the hinges on Vol. I.
