A NARRATIVE OF THE MISSION SENT BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA TO THE COURT OF AVA IN 1855, with notices of the country, government, and people

In 1855, following the termination of the last Burmese War, the King of Ava sent a goodwill mission to the Governor General of India who decided that the compliment should duly be returned, doubtless in order to achieve gains in any treaty discussions. Consequently a party led by Major Arthur Phayre, Governor of the New Province of Pegu, set off later that year for Ava, the ancient capital of the Burman empire. Henry Yule describes the journey and arrival at the capital in beautifully descriptive prose, illustrated by, amongst others, his own colour sketches. The party of around five hundred were regally entertained during the delicate discussions held with the King and his ministers, and vivid descriptions of the events, people and places abound, including the city of Amarapoora and the remains at Pagan. Detailed insights are given as to the commerce, politics and religion of the area backed up by many maps and illustrations. A must for anyone seeking a comprehensive guide to the Burma of this period or simply looking for an insight into the meeting of two very different cultures at the time.