A Visit to the Indian Archipelago, in H.M. Ship Maeander. With Portions of the Private Journal of Sir James Brooke.
With Illustrations by Oswald W. Brierley. London Richard Bentley 1853
First edition Two volumes, pp.xiv, 301; vii, 286, 8 tinted lithographed plates, folding map. A very good clean set in original cloth, gilt, head of spine repaired.
Keppel was a strong supporter of James Brooke both in his actions against pirates and in his role in establishing the Government of Sarawak. His account of events and individuals covers an important period in the history of British Borneo. Its publication was warmly welcomed by the influential Journal of the Indian Archipelago published by J.R. Logan in Singapore: "Captain Keppel need make no apology for entering into the field of literature, the chapters containing accounts of his own movements are always interesting, and his casual notices are often of greater value than those made by persons of greater pretensions. We can sincerely recommend these volumes; they have afforded us some pleasant hours, and the faults we have noticed do not detract much from the interest. We trust to welcome Captain Keppel again in these seas; the times promise to be stirring, let him come with a good squadron, do good service and then write another amusing book." - from the review.