An historical disquisition concerning the knowledge which the ancients had of India; and the progress of trade with that country prior to the discovery of the passage to it by the Cape of Good Hope. With an appendix, containing observations on the civil policy - the laws and judicial proceedings - the arts - the sciences - and religious institutions, of the Indians.

London, A. Strahan & T. Cadell, Edinburgh, E. Balfour, 1791.4to. Contemporary calf (part of one hinge splitting but firmly holding).). With 2 large folding maps. XII,364,(12) pp.First edition; with the bookplate of the Bellingham Castle Library and the armorial bookplate of William Bellingham Bart. - William Robertson (1721-1793), the leading Scottish historian of his day, brought out this history of ancient India. He concludes with a wise hope that this account of 'the early and high civilization of India, and the wonderful progress of its inhabitants in elegant arts and useful science, may have some influence upon the behavior of Europeans towards that people' (DNB XVI, p.1314). Also dealing with the discovery of the sea route to India via the Cape of Good Hope. - A good clean copy with wide margins.SAB IV, p.57; Kress B.2182.