First and only edition of a contemporary description of Batavia (Jakarta), then the capital of the Dutch East Indies, by the Dutch general and minister of war August Wilhelm Philip Weitzel (1816-1896), who visited the city in 1858. It opens with a ground plan of the city and its surroundings, a dedication and a table of contents. The text is divided into four parts, each subdivided into several chapters. The first part contains a general description of the city, its topography, transportation and customs, architecture, neighbourhoods, sights, etc. The second part contains a history of the way of life in Jakarta, often referring to other texts. It describes the first colonists, the conduct and misconduct of the VOC (Dutch East India Company) and the various peoples living in the city with their costumes, religions, occupations, etc. In the third part Weitzel describes contemporary life in the city and the fourth part deals with the scientific institutions in Batavia.
A few stains and smudges, but overall in very good condition. Binding rubbed along the extremities, corners worn, spine damaged at head and foot. J.G. Taylor, The social world of Batavia, p. 234; Tiele, Bibl. 1203.