1916 First Edition - Jataka Tales on lives of the Buddha by Francis and Thomas

Author: H.T. Francis and E.J. Thomas.
Title: Jataka Tales. Selected and Edited with Introduction and Notes.
Publisher: Cambridge, University Press, 1916. First Edition.
Language: Text in English (with references to Pali source material).
Size: 9 x 6.5 inches.
Pages: xiv, 488 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good half morocco leather binding over marbled boards. The spine features raised bands with gilt-stamped titles and fleurons; the boards and endpapers are richly marbled in warm tones of red, ochre, and green (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown). 
Illustrations: Includes eight photographic plates depicting bas-reliefs and ancient Indian art relevant to the tales (e.g., "King Makhādeva Finds a Grey Hair" and "The Crab and the Elephant"), each labeled with plate numbers and Jataka references. Complete.

Estimate: (USD 250–350).

The book: A rare and finely bound 1916 Cambridge First edition of Jataka Tales, retold by H.T. Francis and E.J. Thomas. This anthology presents selected stories from the Jataka—a vast body of Indian literature depicting the previous lives of the Buddha in both human and animal form. Each tale conveys moral lessons and spiritual insights in allegorical narrative form. The edition is scholarly yet accessible, with detailed introductory material and footnotes to assist the reader. The photographic plates provide a visual connection to historical Buddhist art. An exceptional example of Eastern wisdom presented for a Western audience, here housed in a visually elegant binding that enhances its presence on any shelf.

The authors:
H.T. Francis (1837–1924) was an eminent scholar of Pāli literature and Buddhist texts. A fellow of Cambridge's Gonville and Caius College and Honorary Under-Librarian at the University Library, he was instrumental in introducing Jātaka literature to Western readers.

E.J. Thomas (1878–1958), a scholar of Sanskrit and Pāli, was affiliated with Emmanuel College, Cambridge. His later works on Buddhist scriptures and philosophy remain influential, and this collaboration with Francis showcases his early dedication to translating Buddhist thought.