EASTWICK, Edward Backhouse.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Journal of a Diplomate's [sic] Three Years' Residence in Persia. First and only contemporary edition, presentation copy from the author to his brother, inscribed on the half-title "W. J. Eastwick, from his attached brother, Edward B. Eastwick". Scarce on the market, with just a handful of copies recorded at auction, this is a superior copy in the attractive original cloth binding.Eastwick (1814-1883) joined the Bombay infantry as a cadet, but his proficiency in oriental languages caused him to move to a civil profession. In 1860 he was appointed secretary of legation to the Qajar court, and stayed in the country until 1863, travelling throughout Persia. At Mashad he formed a firm friendship with Soltan-Morad Mirza Hosam-al-Saltana, governor of Khorasan and the book's dedicatee. Promoted to chargé d'affaires in Tehran, he gained favour with the Qajar administration. Abruptly recalled in February 1863, he left Persia, dismayed at London's decision to leave its mission without any experienced diplomat.The author's brother, William Joseph Eastwick (1808-1889), served in various administrative roles in India, including that of assistant to Sir Henry Pottinger in Sind and, during the First Anglo-Afghan War, in logistical support for General William Nott's relief force. Like his brother, he was fluent in Persian."The first volume of the [Journal] contains a meticulous description of his journey to Tehran, the English Mission, and its setup and working procedure, as well as the Missi

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