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Lieutenant Colonel W.H. Sleeman, Rambles and Recollections of an Indian Official, London: J. Hatchard and Son, 1844

Volume I: xii and 478 pages including 1 colour chromolithographic frontispiece, 6 colour chromolithographic plates at the end
Volume II: x and 459 pages including 1 chromolithographic frontispiece, 24 colour chromolithographic plates covered with tissue guards
Publisher's fine-ribbed red cloth, blocked in gilt on front with rule border, elaborate tracery pattern enclosing circular medallion with seated figure, similarly in blind on back with circular tracery design in gilt instead of the medallion. Spine lettered in gilt within elaborate vignette architectural design in gilt (each)
24.6 x 18 x 3.7 cm (each)

Lieutenant-Colonel William Henry Sleeman spent his entire career in India, as an army officer and later as a magistrate and resident. He was best known for his fight to suppress the activities of 'thugs', bands of criminals who attacked, robbed and often murdered innocent travellers. By the time of the publication of this two-volume work in 1844, Sleeman had lived in India for more than 30 years.

In Volume 1, Sleeman draws on his travels and experiences, and in 48 chapters discusses myriad aspects of Indian life, including Hinduism, local festivals and folklore, natural history and disease.

In Volume 2, Sleeman deals with his suppression of the Thuggees and Dacoits, moves to end Suttee but also records his interest in Indian traditional life and natural history, being the first discoverer of dinosaur fossils in Asia. It also examines many issues related to governance, such as land, tax, military discipline, and the justice system. The work includes plates of some of the spectacular buildings that he visits.

Reference: J R Abbey, Travel in Aquatint and Lithography 1770-1860, p. 466

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