Robert Knox

An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies (eBook, ePUB)

Exploring Colonial Ceylon: A Captivating 17th Century Account

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies," Robert Knox offers a meticulously detailed account of his experiences as a captive in Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) during the 17th century. Written in a narrative style that blends travelogue with personal memoir, Knox's work provides readers with an insightful exploration of the island's geography, culture, and the intricate socio-political dynamics of the time. His keen observations and descriptive prowess illuminate the life of the Sinhalese people, the lush landscapes, and the colonial tensions brewing amidst the spice trade, reflective of broader European imperial interests in the region. Robert Knox, born in 1641, was an Englishman whose adventurous spirit led him to the East Indies. His extensive travels and subsequent captivity from 1659 to 1679 among the Sinhalese profoundly shaped his understanding of the island's customs and complexities. Knox's vivid recounting of his 20 years as a sailor and captive reveals the personal stakes behind his historical narrative, highlighting the interplay between personal experience and historical documentation, a theme significant in early modern literature. This remarkable work is a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts of colonial history, travel literature, and global interactions in the early modern period. Knox's unique perspective not only enriches our understanding of Ceylon's cultural landscape but also invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of colonialism and the human experience within such tumultuous contexts.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 919
• Erscheinungstermin: 20. November 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664123466
• Artikelnr.: 58436159

Autorenporträt

Robert Knox (1641-1720) was an English sea captain in the service of the British East India Company. Knox is best recognized for his authorship of 'An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies' (1681), a detailed account of his experiences during his nineteen-year captivity on the island of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka. After being captured by the king's forces, Knox and his crew were unable to leave the island until their eventual escape in 1679. Knox's work is esteemed for its extensive ethnographic details, comprehensive descriptions of the island's geography, culture, flora, and fauna, as well as for the insights into the political and social organization of the Kandyan kingdom at that time. His descriptions of Ceylonese life and customs were drawn from his unique perspective as both an observer and, in effect, a participant within the cultural milieu of the island. Knox's writing style-methodical, yet interspersed with personal anecdotes-provides a compelling narrative that balances scholarly observations with human interest. An essential resource for historians of South Asia, 'An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon' stands as a significant work of early English travel literature, contributing to the early European understanding of Asian societies and laying the groundwork for colonial ethnography.