Philippe

1856 · 168702 — London: John Murray 1856. His descriptions are colourful and graphic First edition of this rich contribution to the literature of the Great Game noted by Wilber as one of the most valuable works on Afghanistan especially for its "description of remote regions … such as the Hazara and Ghur areas and the Helmand Valley". The work demonstrates the author's "masterly knowledge of the history geography and languages" of the area Yakushi. After returning wounded from the French expedition to Algeria in 1837 Joseph Philippe Ferrier 1811-1886 accepted employment as an instructor with the Persian army. He travelled to Persia as part of a rather ramshackle delegation which soon collapsed. Ferrier was appointed adjutant-general and "chef d'état major" on an eight-year contract and was sent to Zanjan to train cavalry battalions receiving the Order of the Lion and Sun. He later undertook an overland journey through Persia and Afghanistan to join the group of French officers at Lahore in the service of Ranjit Singh's burgeoning Sikh empire. In 1847 he was attached to the office of the governor-general of Fars finally securing a safe passage to Turkey in 1851. His other works include a History of the Afghans published in 1858. Octavo 217 x 135 mm. Engraved frontispiece 2 similar plates folding map at end. Later 19th-century half calf spine with red morocco labels raised bands gilt and stylized blind rules in compartments marbled sides edges sprinkled red green endpapers. Bookplate of R. C. A. Prior physician 1809-1902 on front pastedown. Light rubbing along joints and extremities shine to the spine suggesting sometime varnished tips slightly bumped pale spotting to prelims the very occasional small spot or mark to text map slightly offset with closed tear to the stub sometime repaired with paper on verso. A very good copy. Burrell 252; Ghani p. 129; Wilber 150; Wilson p. 69; Yakushi F31a. William L. Hanaway Jr "J. P. Ferrier" Review of Middle East Studies vol. 12 1978. hardcover