Trekking In Kashmir

with scarce map

A scarce guide to Kashmir and the Sindh Valley by a woman travel writer, scarcer still with the map which is often lacking. Only in three UK institutions (BL, Edinburgh, Cambridge) and only the Cambridge copy is catalogued as having the map.

Barbara Earl states that her book 'does not pretend to be a comprehensive guide-book to Kashmir, nor a route-book, simply a guide to trekking'. Kashmir had become a frequent choice for holidaying in the early twentieth century and Earl had been encouraged in her endeavour by several female friends who were desirous of a good guide-book which focused on the practical issues of strenuous travel rather than solely relating the wondrous experiences such hardship yielded. These include tips like: water-proofing a tent using 'Sunlight' soap, warding off predators and thieves, best choices of bug repellent, practical tips for food supplies, which medicines are most useful, and how to make cookies on a campfire to fuel children for the day's trek.

First edition; 12mo (18.5 x 12.5 cm); large folding map at rear (60 x 60 cm), 6 photographic plates by the author, contemporary ownership inscription to front endpaper; publisher's original printed boards backed in green cloth, a little rubbed, a very good copy; [iv], 98 pp.

Yakushi E01.