Travels in India: During the Years 1780, 1781, 1782, and 1783. William Hodges. Published by Printed for the author, and sold by J Edwards, Pall-Mall, 1793. . William Hodges RA (1744 1797) was an English painter. He was a member of James Cook's second voyage to the Pacific Ocean, and is best known for the sketches and paintings of locations he visited on that voyage, including Table Bay, Tahiti, Easter Island, New Zealand, Dusky Sound and the Antarctic. As Hodges was employed by the Admiralty on Cook's second voyage, all paintings and drawings of the voyage belonged to them. From the Preface: ‘The intimate connexion which has so long subsisted between this country and the continent of India, naturally renders every Englishman deeply interested in all that relates to a quarter of the globe which has been the theatre of scenes highly important to his country; and which, perhaps, at the moment when he peruses the description of it, may be the residence or the grave of some of his dearest friends. It is only matter of surprize, that, of a country so nearly allied to us, so little should be known. The public is, indeed, greatly indebted to the learned labours of gentlemen, who have resided there, for the information which they have afforded concerning the Laws and the Religion of the Hindoo tribes ; as well as for correct and well digested details of the transactions of the Mogul government. But of the face of the country, of its arts, and natural productions, little has yet been said.’
Travels in India
