Ceylon; an Account of the Island Physical, Historical, and Topographical with Notices of Its Natural History, Antiquities and Productions, Volume 1

"Ceylon; an Account of the Island Physical, Historical, and Topographical" by Sir James Emerson Tennent is a comprehensive historical account written during the mid-19th century. This work dives into various aspects of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), covering its physical geography, history, natural history, and cultural significance. The book aims to provide a well-rounded exploration of the island's allure through its geography, fauna, religion, and more. The beginning of this extensive account introduces the island of Ceylon, highlighting its enchanting landscapes and abundant natural resources. It paints a vivid picture of the country's physical beauty, noting its rich vegetation and topographical variety. Tennent discusses the historical perspectives from various cultures, including the Hindus and ancient Greeks, regarding the island's geographical significance and its reputation as a place of wonder and abundance. Furthermore, Tennent hints at the socio-economic evolution of Ceylon through the ages, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of its geology, climate, and the intricate relationship of its inhabitants with the land as the account unfolds in subsequent chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir James Emerson Tennent, 1st Baronet, FRS was a Conservative Member of the United Kingdom Parliament for the Irish seats of Belfast and of Lisburn, and a resident Colonial Secretary in Ceylon. Opposed to the restoration of a parliament in Dublin, his defence of Ireland's union with Great Britain emphasised what he conceived as the liberal virtues of British imperial administration. In Ceylon, his policies in support the growing plantation and wage economy met with peasant resistance in the Matale Rebellion of 1848. In recognition of his encyclopedic surveys of the colony, in 1862 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.