Detailed textual criticisms, made by Alexander Walker, of the first edition of ‘History of British India’ by James Mill., 1819.
Scope and Contents
The criticisms were drafted and sent to James Mill at his request, at intervals between October and December 1819, and were subsequently returned to Alexander Walker. There are also some incomplete draft notes. In commenting on the Preface and Books II and III Walker disputes Mill's argument that it was not necessary for an historian of India to have a first-hand knowledge of the country, and he goes on to contest Mill's harsh interpretation of Hindu civilisation. There is no evidence, although he appeared to value them at the time, that Mill incorporated any of Walker's painstaking criticisms into the 2nd edition.
Dates
- Creation: 1819.
Conditions Governing Access
Normal access conditions apply.
Conditions Governing Use
Normal reproduction conditions apply, subject to any copyright restrictions.
Extent
269 Leaves ; Folio.
Arrangement
269 folios.
Genre / Form
Repository Details
Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository
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