Life of the Amir Dost Mohammed Khan, of Kabul: with his political proceedings towards the English, Russian, and Persian Governments., including the victory and disasters of the British Army in Afghanistan.

London:: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, 1846., 1846. 2 volumes. 8vo. xviii, [2], 399, [1]; vii, [3], 498 pp. 19 plates (apparently lithographed and mounted); foxed. Original full tan calf, elaborate gilt-stamped spines, maroon and black leather spine labels, gilt-ruled covers, all edges marbled, by Bickers & Son, London; some minor rubbing. Bookplates of Charles Edward Keyser; inscribed from John Henry Locke to Charles Edward Keyser, on leaving Eton 1866. Near fine. First edition. The author originally wrote this biographical account while he was in Afghanistan, writing the text in both English and Persian (Farsi). He had the misfortune of being in Kabul during the November 1842 insurrection during which the town was plundered. The manuscript made it to Mohammad Akbar Khan, but there it stayed as he would not relinquish the documents. This is, therefore, an entire re-telling of that missing book. In his own words, the book is anecdotal and written about Afghanistan, the British-India policies thereof, "the reasons of sending an expedition, its means of success, and the cause of the disasters" including a description of the insurrection. / Amir Dost Mohammad Khan (1793-1863), ruler of Afghanistan (1826-63) and founder of the Barakzai dynasty, managed to maintain Afghan independence during the political struggles between Great Britain and Russia. Of course the interest of Great Britain, Russia and the United States has dominated the existence of Afghanistan and Persia/Iran throughout the 20th century. This account serves to show who the world's leaders are anxious to control in this vital region to trade and communication. PROVENANCE: John Henry Locke, attended Eton College. Possibly died in 1912. – Charles Edward Keyser (1847-1929), born in London, went to Eton College, then studied law at Trinity College, as a British stockbroker he became quite wealthy and authority on English church architecture and president of the British Archaeological Association (1906-1929). / Munshi Mohan Lal was Kashmirian, from Delhi, India, and worked in the service of the East India Company. REFERENCES: See: Hari Ram Gupta, Life and Work of Mohan Lal Kashmiri, 1812-1877, Lahore Minerva Book shop, 1943.