Hamish Riley-Smith

MALTHUS,T.R. A Letter to the Rt Hon.Lord Grenville occasioned by some observations of his lordship on the East India Company's establishment for the education of their civil servants. London, J.Johnson 1813

Octavo, marbled boards, (1) + 38pp

First edition, never reprinted, but much was incorporated into Malthus's second pamphlet in defence of the College in 1817. Malthus was Professor there of Political Economy. Malthus here vigorously defends the East India College against Lord Grenville's demand that it should be closed; "languages alone are not a sufficient qualification for the administration of the British government in India, and general knowledge is best taught in the west". Malthus defends the curriculum at the College and especially "a youth of seventeen...with a good understanding, is fully able to comprehend the principles of political economy..." Malthus describes the procedure of competitive examination and the impartiality of the collegiate body. The Act of 1813 renewing the Charter of the East india Company for another 20 years gave statutory recognition to the College and no person could be sent as Writer to any of the Presidencies of Bengal, Madras or Bombay who had not passed two years at the College."It is impossible to estimate how much this parliamentary triumph for the East India College was due to Malthus's pamphlet and, presumably, his personal influence in London". James.
Kress B6180. Goldsmith 20735. James, Population Malthus pp.218-222.

£2400

This item is listed on Bibliopoly by Hamish Riley-Smith; click here for further details.