Ismailïa: A Narrative of the Expedition to Central Africa for the Suppression of the Slave Trade. Organized by Ismail, Khedive of Egypt
- Hardcover
- New York: Harper & Brothers, 1875
New York: Harper & Brothers, 1875. Hardcover. Very Good. Hardcover. This is the first edition of the American edition of this title. The first edition of Sir Samuel W. Baker's book, Ismailïa: A Narrative of the Expedition to Central Africa for the Suppression of the Slave Trade, was published by McMillan & Co. in London in 1874. The book details Baker's expedition, sponsored by Khedive Ismail of Egypt, to abolish the slave trade and establish Egyptian authority in Central Africa. It is considered a significant work of exploration and a firsthand account of his adventures, including big game hunting and conflicts with slave traders. Sir Samuel White Baker (1821 – 1893) was an English explorer, officer, naturalist, big game hunter, engineer, writer and abolitionist. He also held the titles of Pasha and Major-General in the Ottoman Empire and Egypt. He served as the Governor-General of the Equatorial Nile Basin (today's South Sudan and Northern Uganda) between April 1869 and August 1873, which he established as the Province of Equatoria. He is mostly remembered as the first European to visit Lake Albert, as an explorer of the Nile and interior of central Africa, and for his exploits as a big game hunter in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. Baker wrote a considerable number of books and published articles. He was a friend of King Edward VII, who as Prince of Wales, visited Baker with Queen Alexandra in Egypt. Other friendships were with explorers Henry Morton Stanley, Roderick Murchison, John H. Speke and James A. Grant. [Wikipedia]
The book offers a compelling narrative of Baker's efforts to suppress the prosperous slave-trade in Central Africa. In addition to the lengthy text, the book includes maps, portraits, and over fifty full-page illustrations by Zwecker and Durand. Bound in the original reddish-brown cloth with gilt titling to spine and handsome illustration in gilt on front cover of men leading camels. The binding is frayed, bumped, and rubbed. The top and bottom edges of the spine are torn and chipped. Hinges are cracked but text block is firm.Text pages are generally clean, with mild browning to the margin edges. The many full-page illustrations are protected by tissue guards. Still a very good copy of this important title about exploration in Africa. Measures 9 x 5.75 inches. 542 pages including an extensive appendix and a detailed index.
The book offers a compelling narrative of Baker's efforts to suppress the prosperous slave-trade in Central Africa. In addition to the lengthy text, the book includes maps, portraits, and over fifty full-page illustrations by Zwecker and Durand. Bound in the original reddish-brown cloth with gilt titling to spine and handsome illustration in gilt on front cover of men leading camels. The binding is frayed, bumped, and rubbed. The top and bottom edges of the spine are torn and chipped. Hinges are cracked but text block is firm.Text pages are generally clean, with mild browning to the margin edges. The many full-page illustrations are protected by tissue guards. Still a very good copy of this important title about exploration in Africa. Measures 9 x 5.75 inches. 542 pages including an extensive appendix and a detailed index.