Narrative of Various Journeys in Balochistan,

£3,000 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

The scarce first edition of one of the most captivating firsthand accounts of the 'Great Game'. Masson had lived in Afghanistan for some time after deserting from the army. At General Wade's instigation he was officially pardoned and employed as a government agent in Kabul. His account of the turbulent politics leading up to the First Afghan War is one of the best to have been published. Includes an account of Burnes' mission to Kabul in 1836-37. First edition; 3 vols, 8vo (23 x 15 cm); 6 tinted lithographed plates (1 folding), 14 in-text woodcuts, occasional discreet pencil marginal annotations; later half red morocco, red cloth boards, gilt spines in six compartments, all edges gilt, a fine set; xxvii, [2], 471; xvi, 646; xvi, 496 pp. Ghani p.244; Wilber 238; cf. Abbey (Travel), 512 Yakushi M219a for second editions.

• Binding: Hardcover

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