Sinai, the Hedjaz, and Soudan:

jeddah and the hejaz

A rare and important record of Hamilton's voyage across Egypt to Sudan and the Hejaz, with a dedicated chapter on Islam and the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

In total six chapters describe the arrival at Jeddah, journey around to Taif via Mount Arafat, and back, with copious descriptions of the inhabitants, customs, and life of those living in the Hejaz, including descriptions of camel use, Arabian betrothals, the character of the Bedouins, and much. Emphasis is put on the nominal Turkish rule, British trade interests, and the independent feeling of the region that precipitated the second revolt of Hussain bin Ali, Sharif of Meccah, in 1916. Also described is Cairo, Abbas Pasha's Mountain Road, the ascent of Mount Sinai, and the Sudan.

The publication includes two folding maps, these entitled 'Map of part of Nubia, called in Egypt Soudan, showing Mr Hamilton's route from the Red Sea to the Nile' and 'From Djidda to Tayf, shewing Mr Hamilton's route'.

First edition, 8vo, xvi, 414 pp., half-title, 2 folding lithographed maps, original blind-stamped purple cloth, decorated in gilt and blind, yellow endpapers, lightly rubbed, fading to spine, a very good copy.