While on leave in 1875 Burnaby spent the winter travelling through Russia and central Asia, “enduring intense cold and frostbite. Evading Russian officials, and accompanied by a dwarf Tartar servant, in January 1876 he reached Khiva and was welcomed by the khan” (ODNB). A vivid, lively travelogue, stoutly British, in which he warns against Russian expansion through central Asia towards India, and denounces Russian rule as despotic, corrupt, and cruel. The book, vigorously advertised, sold well and was reprinted and translated. His journey and book made Burnaby a celebrity. As a young man he was the very image of the languid cavalry officer as recorded by Tissot in his famous portrait, but Burnaby’s later years were years of sad decline. His healthy deteriorated, he alienated many of his closest friends, including the Prince of Wales, and it has been suggested that in joining the Sudan Expedition he was seeking a glorious death, which he duly obtained when the square broke at Abu Klea.
8vo. (198 × 131mm). Near contemporary tan calf, title gilt direct to spine, raised bands. Folding coloured map frontispiece, two similar maps at the rear. Light marginal foxing and browning, but overall a very good copy, spine just a little scuffed.
