rare inscribed copy

A rare, inscribed copy of Baker's Ismailia, the account of his suppression of the slave trade in the Nile Basin.

Inscribed: 'The Lady Henniker from Samuel Baker 24 October 1874'. Lady Alice (1844-1893), daughter of the Earl of Desart, was married to John Major Henniker-Major, 5th Baron Henniker.

In 1869, Baker, one of the greatest explorers of Africa, was appointed by the Khedive Isma'il to a four-year term as governor-general of the equatorial Nile basin, with the rank of pasha and major-general in the Ottoman army. It was the most senior post a European ever received under an Egyptian administration. According to the khedive's firman, Baker's duties included annexing the equatorial Nile basin, establishing Egyptian authority over the region south of Gondokoro, suppressing the slave trade, introducing cotton cultivation, organizing a network of trading stations throughout the annexed territories, and opening the great lakes near the equator to navigation. The expedition produced mixed results. Although he had suppressed the slave trade in some areas and had extended the khedive's authority to Gondokoro and Fatick, he had failed to pacify the lawless region between these two places. Moreover, he was unable to annex the wealthy kingdoms of Bunyoro and Buganda.

Baker received a hero's welcome on his return to England. Apart from various glowing newspaper accounts of his travels, the prince of Wales met him to learn first-hand of his experiences in Africa. On 8 December 1873 he received an enthusiastic reception at the Royal Geographical Society, and the following year he published the present account which further enhanced his popularity.

First edition; 2 vols, 8vo; inscribed by Baker on verso of front free endpaper, viii, 447; viii, 588 pp., 2 portrait frontispieces, numerous wood-engraved plates, 2 maps (1 large folding), original green cloth gilt, a very good set.

Blackmer 66; Hilmy I, 49 (later edition); Czech p11.