William Marsden

The History of Sumatra (eBook, ePUB)

Containing An Account Of The Government, Laws, Customs And / Manners Of The Native Inhabitants

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "The History of Sumatra," William Marsden presents a meticulous account of the island's geography, culture, and history. Written in a systematic and clear literary style characteristic of 18th-century Enlightenment scholarship, the book serves both as a travel narrative and a locale study. Marsden meticulously documents the customs, languages, and religions of the indigenous peoples, intertwining ethnographic observation with anecdotal evidence to create a vivid tapestry of Sumatra. His work is contextualized within the broader European colonial interest in Southeast Asia, representing an important intersection between scientific curiosity and imperial ambition. William Marsden, a British resident in Indonesia during the late 1700s, was not only an astute observer but also a linguist and naturalist. His deep interest in the languages and cultures of the region, combined with his experiences as a colonial administrator, informed his comprehensive understanding of Sumatra's rich heritage. Marsden's dedication to documenting the Sumatran way of life reflects his broader insights into colonial interactions and the consequences of such encounters. This book is highly recommended for scholars of colonial history, anthropology, and Southeast Asian studies, as well as general readers interested in the complex narratives shaped by cultural exchange and colonialism. Marsden's pioneering work provides critical insights that resonate in contemporary discussions about cultural identity and the legacies of colonialism.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: DigiCat
• Seitenzahl: 504
• Erscheinungstermin: 16. September 2022
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 8596547339656
• Artikelnr.: 65837827

Autorenporträt

William Marsden (1754-1836) was a distinguished British orientalist and linguist remembered for his significant contributions to the study of Indonesia and its surrounding regions. Best known for 'The History of Sumatra' (1783), Marsden's work was groundbreaking in offering one of the first comprehensive accounts of the island by a European, blending detailed observations on the geography, natural history, and culture of the region with meticulous scholarship (Marsden, 1783). His literary style combined empirical rigor with a genuine curiosity for local customs and practices, underpinned by a respect for the cultures he studied that was ahead of his time. Marsden first went to Sumatra at the behest of the British East India Company, and his experiences there fueled his scholarly pursuits upon returning to England. His fluency in local languages and dedication to primary research set a new standard for Oriental studies. In addition to his work on Sumatra, Marsden amassed a considerable collection of manuscripts and coins, which he later donated to King's College London and the British Museum. His expertise extended to other linguistic and numismatic studies, earning him respect in the academic community and several prestigious positions, including membership to the Royal Society. Marsden's oeuvre remains a valuable resource for historians and anthropologists, illuminating the rich tapestry of Sumatran society in the late 18th century.

Inhaltsangabe

Preface
1. Situation
2. Distinction of inhabitants
3. Villages
4. Agriculture
5. Fruits, flowers, medicinal shrubs and herbs
6. Beasts
7. Vegetable productions of the island considered as articles of commerce
8. Gold, tin, and other metals
9. Languages
10. Comparative state of the Sumatrans in civil society
11. Remarks on, and elucidation of, the various laws and customs
12. Modes of marriage, and customs relative thereto
13. Custom of chewing betel
14. The country of Lampong and its inhabitants
15. Account of the inland country of Korinchi
16. Malayan states
17. Kingdoms of Indrapura, Anak-Sungei, Passamman, Siak
18. Kingdom of Achin
19. History of the kingdom of Achin
20. Brief account of the islands lying off the western coast of Sumatra
Index.