A Comprehensive Work of Pictorial Reference With Selected Eye-Witness Accounts

‘The Dutch were the second of the three European powers whose occupying presence had far-reaching effects on Sri Lankan life and culture.

Dr R K de Silva, whose pioneering Early Prints of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) 1800-1900 was published in 1985, here turns his attention to this period of history. Together with Drs W G M Beumer, he presents a fascinating record of Sri Lanka over the two centuries of the island’s connection with the Netherlands.

The book is primarily a pictorial reference, complemented by extensive excerpts from original texts and well-researched notes. The illustrations are from contemporary publications by such historians as Baldaeus and Valentijn, while the paintings and drawings are by varied artists and VOC draughtsman. Besides an abundance of topographical sketches there are pictures depicting the flora and fauna, customs, occupations, dress, and portraits of Dutch officials.

The 17th and 18th century books from which extracts have been selected are available to but a few. Some 150 paintings and drawings are reproduced here in colour for the first time alongside about 250 illustrations in black and white; many of them, besides being valuable as historical evidence, are of high artistic merit.’ – from the front flap