[TAMIL literature.] - Nathaniel Edward KINDERSLEY (1763 ƒ?? 1831) [The Tirukkural, and other

 Nathaniel Edward KINDERSLEY (1763 – 1831)

[The Tirukkural, and other texts] Specimens of Hindoo Literature: consisting of translations, from the Tamoul language, of some Hindoo works of morality and imagination, with explanatory notes: to which are prefixed introductory remarks on the mythology, literature, &c. of the Hindoos. By … Kindersley, Esq. of the Honourable East India Company’s Civil Service on their Madras Establishment.

London: printed by W.Bulmer & Co., and sold by F. Wingrave, successor to Mr. Nourse, 1794. Octavo (8 ½ x 5 1/4in; 216 x 133mm). Pp.[iii-]x-xiii[-xvi; 1-]2-335[-336]. 3 engraved plates (2 folding).

Contemporary red half morocco over marbled paper-covered boards, spine gilt, speckled edges (joints worn, extremities chipped, later lettering-piece to spine)

Provenance: Steph. Groombridge (1755-1832, armorial bookplate); Lavinia Martha Groombridge (inscription, marginal note on p.40).

First edition, includes the first translation into English of any part of the Tirukkural (“ one of the most important works in the Tamil language and is often called the masterpiece of Tamil Literature” [Wikipedia]).