Über die Kawi-Sprache auf der Insel Java, nebst einer Einleitung über die Verschiedenheit des menschlichen Sprachbaues und ihren Einfluss auf die geistige Entwickelung des Menschengeschlechts. Preface by Alexander v(on) Humboldt. 3 vols.

Berlin, Königl. Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1836-39. With 17 multiple folded plates comparing different Malaysian words (between pp. 241 to 264) and at the end 11 fold. lithogr. plates of Javanese characters (of which plate IX in red and black) in vol. 2. 4to. Contemporary half calf with spine labels, richly gilt. Engr. bookplate in vol. II + III. Berlin, Königl. Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1836-39. First edition of one of the most important books in the subject of philology. Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767-1835) clearly states the principle that languages express the individuality and culture of their speakers, and that languages must differ from one another in the same way and to the same degree as those who use them. This present work is Humboldt's linguistic masterpiece and was posthumously published. Incorporated in vol. 1 after p. XXIV is the first printing of his remarkable essay "Über die Verschiedenheit des menschlichen Sprachbaues und ihren Einfluss auf geistige Entwicklung des Menschengeschlechts" (The Heterogeneity of Human Language and its Influence on the Intellectual Development of Mankind) which appeared separately later that same year. Wilhelm von Humboldt, the older brother of scientist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt, was a famous philologist, writer, linguist, philosopher and diplomat. He was also the founder of the Berlin University, which later was named after him. As a prominent humanist of the 18th and the early 19th century, he introduced far reaching school and university reforms into Prussia.- Nice copy, wide margins. - Graesse III, 390; cf. PMM 301; cf. Borst 1795; Goedeke XIV, 563, 728.