An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East IndiesRobert Knox's book, 'An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies', is an important contemporary account of Sri Lankan life in the 17th century. Knox's direct and idiomatic language is influential to the development of the English novel, and his vivid descriptions of Sinhalese topography, economic and social life, and cultural characteristics provide a valuable source for the economic history and anthropology of Ceylon during this period. The book is divided into four parts, with the first three detailing the Kingdom of Kandy and the final part depicting Knox's escape from captivity. Knox portrays himself as a practical, self-sufficient, and resilient individual, similar to Defoe's shipwrecked mariner. |
Contents
ERRATA | |
Of their Roots Plants Herbs Flowers | |
Of their Birds Fish Serpents Commodities | |
Concerning the Kings Manners Vices Recreation Religion | |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Adams Peak afterwards altho alwayes Ambassador Anarodgburro Batavia Beasts belonging Betel better Bintan boyl bring brought called Captain carry catch Cattle CHAP chief Chingulays Cloth Coker-nut colour Columbo Command concerning Corn Countrey Court Deer detained Devil discourse Dissauva divers Dutch Elephants English entertained Esquire favour fear Flesh Fruits give Gods Governor ground grow hands hath Hollanders Hondrews Honour House Inhabitants insomuch Island keep King King’s Kings Dominions knew Land leaf leave lest live Malabars manner never Night Noya occasion Officers Palace Portugals Portugueze Priests Prisoners Rebellion Religion Rice River Robert Knox Royal Mail Steamer sent shew side Sir Edward Winter Slaves Soldiers sometimes sorts stand Table of Contents Temples things thro Towns Trees unto Victor Hirtzler Victuals watch whereof wild Women Woods worship