Description

Printed for private circulation in 1909, this scarce volume titled Rites and Ceremonies examines marriage ceremonies and Priapic rites in India and the East. Written by a member of the Royal Asiatic Society, the work reflects early 20th-century scholarly and philosophical inquiry into Hindu customs, rituals, and teachings, drawing from well-known source texts and the reflections of Hindu sages.

The author notes that the material represents collected observations and personal study rather than a formal treatise, addressing themes of desire (Kama), detachment, and the role of the householder (Grihastha) in spiritual life. The text appears complete and readable, with expected age-related toning.

Condition:

Original hardcover with a partially leather spine. The leather at the top of the spine is broken off, exposing the underlying mesh, and the leather along both sides of the spine is beginning to separate but remains attached. Inner hinges show some tearing but the book is still holding together. Page edges are gilt along the top. Interior pages show light to moderate yellowing consistent with age but remain in good overall condition. No illustrations observed. A prior pencil price marking has been erased.

This is a fragile but intact example of an early private-circulation scholarly work and is best suited for a careful collector, researcher, or reference library.

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Item Specifics

• Title: Rites and Ceremonies

• Subject: Marriage & Priapic Rites in India and the East

• Author: Member of the Royal Asiatic Society

• Publisher: Printed for Private Circulation

• Year: 1909

• Binding: Hardcover with partial leather spine

• Condition: Fair / Good (see description)

• Language: English

• Illustrations: None noted

• Special Attributes: Private circulation, early 20th-century scholarly work, gilt top edge