This rare two-volume second edition of Ceylon: An Account of the Island: Physical, Historical, and Topographical with Notices of Its Natural History, Antiquities and Productions by Sir James Emerson Tennent, published in 1859—the same year as the first—stands as one of the most comprehensive 19th-century accounts of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). A statesman and traveller, Tennent served as Colonial Secretary of Ceylon from 1845 to 1850, and his deep knowledge of the island informs every page. The work explores the island’s geography, history, antiquities, topography, culture, flora, fauna, and colonial context, making it a critical reference for historians, naturalists, and collectors alike.
 
Lavishly detailed and illustrated with engravings, woodcuts, and fold-out maps, this edition presents both scientific observation and vivid narrative, capturing the complexities of Ceylon during the British colonial era. It was immensely influential, cited by scholars for its natural history notes and archaeological insights, and it remains a cornerstone reference in the study of Sri Lanka's colonial past.
 
This second edition is especially valued for its expanded content and refinements over the first edition. A rare and valuable antiquarian set, it holds enduring historical and bibliographic significance.