Falconry in the Valley of the Indus.

London: John Van Voorst,, 1852. It would be difficult to imagine scenes for sport of any description more prolific or more gorgeous First edition of this early Burton title, one of 500 copies only. A major study in its own right, it is also noted for its "remarkable autobiographical postscript" (ODNB). This attractively illustrated work "is an intriguing excursion into a pastime which almost predictably appealed to a man of Burton's temperament" (Casada). It was written in Sindh during 1845 and 1846 when Burton hunted with the region's accomplished falconers. Nominally a record of the sport as practised by the landed gentry, it is also a significant record of their culture as the British sought to incorporate them into the Empire. Burton was stationed in Sindh with the Bombay Infantry between 1844 and 1849. Uncommon in any form, Falconry in the Valley of the Indus was published in an edition of 500 by Burton's friend Van Voorst and proved slow to sell. Although only half the print run had sold 25 years after publication, Van Voorst never gave in to the temptation to remainder the title, and Burton continued to receive small amounts from its sales for some years. Large duodecimo. Publisher's original cloth, spine lettered in gilt, triple-ruled panel on boards in blind, all edges uncut, yellow surface-paper endpapers. Housed in a custom red solander box with title in gilt on spine. Sepia-tint lithographic frontispiece and 3 similar plates. Ownership pencil inscription of B H Jones partially erased on front free endpaper. Spine a little sunned, slight discolouration and wear to extremities, a faint stain to rear board, hinges expertly restored, very occasional foxing and spotting, small marginal stains to bottom edge of pp. 14-15. A very good copy. Casada 34; Penzer p.41. "Falconry", The New Monthly Magazine, vol. 97, 1853.