Reconnoitring in Abyssinia:

the copy of wilkins' successor

General Henry St Clair Wilkins (1828-1896) 'commanded the Royal Engineers throughout the Abyssinian expedition of 1868, where the difficult terrain required engineering skills of the highest order. He was mentioned in dispatches by Lord Napier of Magdala for his invaluable and important services, and was appointed aide-de-camp to the queen, with the rank of colonel in the army. As well as an able soldier Wilkins was an accomplished draughtsman and artist.' (ODNB).

Major-General Sir Elliot Wood (1844-1931) served under Wilkins in the Royal Engineers in the Abyssinian expedition as his first notable action. He would go on to distinguish himself in the Anglo-Egyptian War in 1882, earning a medal for his bravery in the Battle of Tell El Kebir, and the Sudan conflicts of 1884 and 1885 for which he was knighted. He was eventually promoted to colonel and inherited command of the Royal Engineers from Wilkins, leading them in their actions in the Boer War.

First edition; 8vo (23 x 15 cm); 10 tinted lithographs finished with hand-colour including frontispiece, large folding linen-backed coloured map in pocket at end, ownership inscription to front endpaper, light spotting to frontis. & title; publisher's gilt red cloth, spine professionally restored, spine lettered in gilt, bevelled edges, touch of rubbing, a very good copy; xvi, 409 pp.

Gay 2696; Milkias 4997.