The Gold-Mines of Midian

£500 · Offered by Maggs Bros Ltd

“The work was dedicated to His Highness Ismail I of Egypt, a ruler with a ‘love of progress’ and of ‘princely hospitality’. Burton considered it a “sequel and continuation of Pilgrimage to Mecca ” (Casada). Burton recounts his 1877 trip to the Midian in search of its ancient gold mines. Ismail I had promised to cover the trip’s expenses though reneged on this when he learned of the expedition’s failure. Burton rushed the account into print, whilst continuing to press Ismail for reimbursement. The work was extemely well received, this second edition appearing in the same year as the first. Casada, 38; Penzer, p95/96.

• Year: 1878

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