XIV. The Credit due to the Book entitled “The Voyages and Travels of J. Albert de Mandelslo into the East Indies”

Extract

Some time ago when I bought for a good price a good copy of the 1669 edition of the English version of Mandelslo's Travels, my impression was that I had secured a rare book recording the experiences in India of a learned and observant traveller in the reign of Shāhjahān. In fact, I believed the current legend concerning the high value of Mandelslo's writings as given by Mr. Oaten, whose words may be quoted, so far as necessary—

“As a source of information on the political or social condition of the country, however, neither Methold nor Bruton can compare with Albert de Mandeslo [sic]. Murray truly says that he was one of the most active and intelligent travellers who have ever visited India. The editor of Harris's collection of travels says no less truly that he had ‘all the qualities requisite in such a guide, Knowledge, Diligence, and Fidelity’. That these encomiums are justified a very slight acquaintance with his book is sufficient to show. Being a scholar and a gentleman, and one already equipped with a considerable amount of knowledge about India, he entered on his travels with a stock of information which was calculated to render his observations peculiarly intelligent.”