An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies Together with an Account of the Detaining in Captivity the Author and Divers other Englishmen Now Living There, and of the Author's Miraculous Escape

"An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies" by Robert Knox is a historical account written in the late 17th century. The work chronicles Knox's near two-decade-long captivity in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and provides a comprehensive description of the island, its people, customs, and the political backdrop of the time. Knox not only focuses on detailing the geography and the natural resources of Ceylon but also shares personal anecdotes about his experiences and miraculous escape from captivity. At the start of the text, Knox establishes his intent to share valuable knowledge about Ceylon, which was largely unfamiliar to European audiences. He recounts the circumstances that led to his capture, highlighting the intrigue surrounding the local governance and cultural practices. With a detailed description of the island's provinces, rivers, and cities, Knox emphasizes the significance of Ceylon's geography as a natural fortress. He introduces his themes of survival and resilience while foreshadowing the rich observations he will share about the local inhabitants, their trade, agriculture, and the complex societal structures within the island's political landscape. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Knox was an English sea captain in the service of the British East India Company. He was the son of another sea captain, also named Robert Knox.