Ismailïa: A Narrative of the Expedition to Central Africa for the Suppression of the Slave Trade organized by Ismail, Khedive of Egypt. Vol. I-II

Description:

First edition. Illustrations by Zwecker and Durand. Publisher's catalogue to rear of Vol. I dated October 1874. Sir Samuel White Baker (1821-1893) was a British explorer, soldier, big game hunter, and author. After several successful expeditions up the Nile, and gaining a reputation as a highly skilled hunter in Ceylon and East Africa, Baker was chosen by the Khedive of Egypt to become the Governor-General of the Equatorial Nile, a region that was largely outside of Egyptian control. Baker led a large expedition south, with the aim of annexing the territories, and to put an end to the slave trade in the region. This work tells of his time in the territory, his campaigns against the slave hunters and brigands, his time amongst the native peoples and villages and his frequent hunts of big game. He was awarded the rank of Pasha by the Khedive and made a Major-General in the Ottoman army, the highest rank achieved by any European under an Egyptian administration.

Czech (Africa) p. 15. [Bibliographical Note: Plates and maps complete as called for; Czech erroneously states 22 plates (in addition to frontispiece and map to Vol. I (but two of the listed illustrations are on one plate)].

Condition

2 vols, 8vo (230x140mm), orig. green cloth, gilt titles and decoration to spines, gilt panels enclosing gilt-blocked design of a camel caravan to front boards, blind panel to rear boards; orig. brown endpapers; edges untrimmed. Cloth rubbed, minor wear to corners and head/foot of spines. Occasional light foxing. Early owner's name to blank recto of frontispieces, with ink bleeding through to verso, not affecting the printed images. Folding map with two tears to inner edge, with tape repairs. A presentable set. Good.