Tom Raw the Griffin : A Burlesque Poem in Twelve Cantos

Tom Raw the Griffin 1828, is burlesque in twelve cantos, originally published with twenty five engravings. It subject was the life of East India Company cadet from his recruitment in Britain to his settling in India. The work offers a glimpse into Anglo-Indian social life, manners and self-perceptions. Based on Charles D’Oyly’s personal observations from his varied and rich experiences mostly in Bengal. A griffin according to Hobson Jobson refers to one newly arrived in India, and unaccustomed to Indian ways and peculiarities. The misfortunes and adventures of a company neophyte continue to be fresh and amusing even centuries after their first publication. (jacket)