Royal Commonwealth Society : Picturesque Jamaica

Parkhurst, V P, d 1893

Royal Commonwealth Society

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Volume of 'mezzotypes', apparently a collotype process, from photographs by V.P. Parkhurst of Kingston, Jamaica. The pictures are 178 x 228 mm, on leaves 265 x 355 mm, and have printed captions. The spine is lettered 'Picturesque Jamaica'. Frank Cundall notes that five parts only were published, though ten were projected (Cundall 1895, p.33); elsewhere, he notes 'The scenes, which are typical of the eastern half of the island ... are accompanied by descriptive letterpress, appreciative of the natural scenery, the botany and history of the island. Unfortunately, the author died before his self-imposed task was completed' (Cundall 1895, p.19). Dr Parkhurst died in 1893, so it is possible that the parts were issued at intervals from 1887. There is no text or title page in the Royal Commonwealth Society copy. It is inscribed on the flyleaf 'To Lady Duckworth-King with kind regards from Mrs. Wellesley Bourke; Kingston, Jamaica 31st March 1896'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dr. V.P. Parkhurst was based in Kingston, Jamaica for at least some of his life.</p>