The Last Empire : Photography in British India: 1855-1911

Rating:
Summary: A rare find
Review: This little known book was one of the few that passed the stringent criteria we have for recommending the top selection on India.

The British public was made aware of India's scenery long before the invention of photography. With the advent of camera, there was a deep interest in capturing the romance, glory and mysticism of the India. Western artists, photographers and adventurers made an attempt to understand and record the mysterious and exotic India. Many books were published during this time, which were a huge hit with public. By 1850s, photographic societies were established in Bombay, Bengal and Madras, and the East India Company was subsidizing photographers.
This book is a collection of some of the most rare and extraordinary photographs of British India taken between 1855 and 1911, including the first photographs of the Himalayas, ancient archaeological wonders, the pageantry of British colonial troops, Indian landscapes, and ruling native princes. These have been gathered from collections throughout the world and many have never been seen outside the archives from which they were gathered. We at Recipedelights.com consider this an outstanding book that is a "must-buy" for Collectors.