History of Gujarati publishing, now in a book

The first printed book in Gujarati was written by a surgeon 200 years ago. Interestingly, it was written not by a Gujarati but an Englishman Dr Robert Drummond. In 1808, he wrote "Illustrations of the grammatical parts of the Guzerattee, Mahratta & English language," which is known as the first printed Gujarati book.

This and much more trivia about Gujarati publishing history is contained in Deepak Mehta's recently published book, Oganishmi Sadi Gujarati granth samrudhhi'. The book deals in interesting aspects of Gujarati books and men of letters. This well-researched work has colourful insights and inside stories on Gujarati books.

Not much is known about Drummond, except that he was appointed to the Bombay medical establishment in 1796. He was residency surgeon, Baroda and surgeon to the judge of appeal and circuit in Gujarat, and was struck off the rolls of the Bombay army on March 14, 1809, after getting lost at sea on his way home.

While in Gujarat, he learnt Gujarati. The 142-page book, separated into chapters, mainly contains glossary. Though the book was written in three languages, most of it was in Gujarati language.

Full report here Times of India