Histoire de Sumatra, dans laquelle on traite du Gouvernement, du Commerce, des Arts, des Loix, des Coutumes & des Moeurs des Habitans ; des Productions Naturelles, & de l'ancien état politique de cette Isle (…) Traduite de l'Anglois sur la deuxième Édition, avec des Cartes. Par M. Parraud, de l'Académie de Villefranche, & de celles des Arcades de Rome

First edition of the French translation, illustrated with a plate showing the alphabet and a large folding map at the end of the first volume (cf. Quérard V, 561). Two modern bookplates pasted to the front pastedowns. 

Contemporary full marbled tan calf bindings, smooth spines decorated with gilt friezes (partly rubbed), blond morocco lettering-piece, lower headcap slightly damaged, some wear to joints and boards, old restorations on boards, a few bumped corners, gilt rolls on board edges, red edges.

Small ink stain and marginal tear on the map, otherwise a clean and appealing copy.

The most comprehensive work of its time devoted to the largest island of Indonesia.

The English orientalist William Marsden [Dublin 1754 – 1836] was also a director of the East India Company and secretary to the Admiralty Board.

Following his brother, an agent of the Company, Marsden travelled to Sumatra in 1771 and devoted his administrative leisure to learning the local language. "After spending eight well-employed years in Sumatra, he returned to England in 1779 in hopes of obtaining a more lucrative post. Unsuccessful at first, he dedicated his retirement to this geographical and historical study of the island of Sumatra. Sir Joseph Banks, whom he met around this time, introduced him to such distinguished figures as Darlymple, Rennel, Maskelyne, Solander, and Herschel.

He was soon after elected a fellow of the Royal Society. His History of Sumatra, published in 1782, fully justified this honour (…) Marsden had set himself a very broad framework, encompassing not only the island’s history proper but also an account of its government, laws, and customs, as well as a description of its natural productions; his execution of it was considered exemplary." Cf. Hoefer.