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Clouds in the East: travels and adventures on the Perso-Turkoman frontier …

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First edition of Baker Pasha’s account of his journey to Central Asia.

‘In April 1873, while awaiting a new appointment, Baker [1827-87] set out with two military companions on a journey to northern Persia, Turkestan, and the borders of Afghanistan. It was a private expedition … but also an exploratory venture prompted by Russian advances through central Asia … The journey was full of incident and endurance: Baker fell seriously ill, and suffered frustration because his expedition lacked official approval. In his detailed account, published in 1876 as Clouds in the East, he provided an evaluation of Russian advances towards India, criticized British foreign policy, urged military preparedness and a “bolder policy” against Russia in Asia, and proposed a nine-point plan of action’ (ODNB).

The three folding maps show Central Asia, routes between India, Persia and Turkestan, and the northeastern frontiers of Persia. The attractive plates display humour as well as artistic charm e.g. the tongue-in-cheek ‘A good road in Persia’, with an unfortunate horse slipping down a hillside.

Wilson p. 12.

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