DURAND, Algernon.

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The Making of a Frontier. First edition of this account of the North-West frontier between 1888 and 1892, during which time the author was British Agent at Gilgit. "Durand's narrative comments on the numerous journeys throughout the area, negotiating with various tribes, seeking resolution to disputes and exploring the terrain. His commentary avoids any support or detraction of the Forward Policy" (Riddick).From a distinguished military family, Algernon Durand (1854-1923) "found his métier as soldier when he was appointed to command the troops in the brilliant little Hunza Nagar campaign in 1891, when he was wounded … His name is perhaps best known to the public as the author of a much-read book, The Making of a Frontier, which is just a thrilling tale of happenings in that remote corner of the Empire at that time. He possessed the family gift of writing a clear and graphic account of his experiences, and it may be doubted whether any book written since is of greater value in describing the singularly wild nature of the country and people with whom he had to deal" (obituary).

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