| Summary |
Description: An unsigned manuscript in two volumes which describes the history, geography, social customs, religious beliefs, knowledge, and government of the countries of Asia and the Islands of the Pacific. The first volume presents the societies and cultures of China, Japan, Tonkin (Vietnam), Siam (Thailand), the Marianas, the Philippines, and other Pacific islands such as the Moluccas or Spice Islands, Sumatra, and Java. In addition to sections on the cities, buildings, rulers, ceremonies, chief products, flora and fauna, and food and drink of each country, the author makes special mention of the Great Wall of China, the monsoons and elephants of Thailand, gunpowder in Japan, and the important trade routes between Mexico and the Philippines. The second volume describes India, with particular reference to the Ganges River, the four religions and castes, festivals and the temples of Ceylon. It also describes the writing, astronomy, moral philosophy, and shahs of Persia (Iran). |
