3 vols. 8vo. - This
is a valuable work, particularly in what relates to the actual commerce and
commercial capabilities of these islands: it also treats of the manners,
religion, language, &c. of the inhabitants; but on some of these points not
with the soundest judgment, or the most accurate information.
756. Raffles's History of Java. 1817. 2 vols. 4to. - Had this work been
compressed into a smaller compass, by a judicious abridgment of the
historical part, its value as well as interest would have been enhanced;
these, however, are not small, as it gives by far the fullest and most
accurate account of Java, and its inhabitants, that has appeared; and as
the author, from his residence and high official situation, possessed every
advantage, its accuracy may be depended on. When the natural history
illustrations of Java, by Mr. Horsfield, are completed, they will, in
conjunction with this work, and the Transactions of the Batavian Society,
leave nothing to be desired on the subject of this part of Asia.
757. E. Koempfer's Geschichte und Beschriebung von Japan. Lemgo, 1777-79. 2
vols. 4to. - This edition of Koempfer's celebrated work on Japan contains
several things which are not to be found in the English translation.
758. Histoire du Japan. Par Charlevoix. Paris, 1754, 6 vols. 12mo. - This
is the best edition of Charlevoix's work, many parts of which, especially
what relates to natural history, are drawn from Koempfer. Charlevoix has
added important details on the administration of justice in Japan, and on
the moral character of the Japanese; but the bulk of the work is swelled by
tiresome ecclesiastical details.
