James Brooke was one of the towering figures of the early 19th century British Empire. As Rajah of Sarawak he carved out his own distant fiefdom on the far-flung islands of the East Indies ( today’s Indonesia) where he ruled as Queen Victoria’s viceroy with virtually unlimited imperial power and pomp. This fascinating two-volume compilation of Brooke’s personal journals shows how he did it. Replete with frank and fascinating first-hand accounts of Brooke’s travels around the islands of his realm; of prolonged battles against local pirates and hostile tribesmen; and delicate negotiations with rulers like the Sultan of Brunei, this is a glimpse into the heroic days of empire-building from the pen of a top insider. It is illustrated with many engravings, woodcuts and maps. Vital reading for anyone interested in the British Empire and the peoples of Indonesia.
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS IN BORNEO AND CELEBES, down to the occupation of Labuan: from the Journals of James Brooke, Esq., Rajah of Sarawak, and Governor of Labuan
£28.00
A two-volume 1848 edition of the journals of James Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak who built and ruled a personal empire in the East Indies ( today’s Indonesia). A full and frank self-portrait of a famous figure from the heroic days of 19th century Empire-building.