[EASTWICK, EDWARD BACKHOUSE]. Journal of a Diplomate's Three Years' Residence in Persia. London: Smith, Elder and Co., 1864.
FIRST EDITION. Two volumes in one; leather-bound; hardcover; octavo (20 x 13 x 4.5 cm); pp. viii, [2], 333, [1], vii, [1], 339, [1]. English text. Handsome near contemporary full calf prize binding by Seton & Mackenzie of Edinburgh. Marbled page edges and endpapers. Folding letterpress table to vol. II, showing the pedigree of the reigning shah, wood engraving of the Argus persicus (or poultry tick) at p. 335 vol. II. Tables in the text. Occasional printed footnotes. Rear appendices. Condition: VERY GOOD. Binding tight, secure and square, the hinges and joints intact. Covers well-preserved with some light rubbing to the extremities, the spine title label with slight edge erosion. Interior remaining fresh and clean. Prize plate to front pastedown. Scarce.
Notes: The first and only contemporary edition - extremely scarce on the market. Edward B. Eastwick (1814-1883) joined the Bombay infantry as a cadet, but his proficiency in oriental languages caused him to move to a civil profession. In 1860 he was appointed secretary of legation to the Qajar court, and stayed in the country until 1863, travelling throughout Persia. At Mashad he formed a firm friendship with Soltan-Morad Mirza Hosam-al-Saltana, governor of Khorasan and the book's dedicatee. Promoted to chargé d'affaires in Tehran, he gained favour with the Qajar administration. Abruptly recalled in February 1863, he left Persia, dismayed at London's decision to leave its mission without any experienced diplomat. "The first volume contains a meticulous description of his journey to Tehran, the English Mission, and its setup and working procedure, as well as the Mission's relation with the French and Russian embassies … The second volume encompasses the political activities of the Afghan warlord, Dost-Mohammad Khan (r. 1843-63) and his attack on Herat … Throughout his memoirs Eastwick is very candid. His descriptions are vivid, and his language is plain but witty, and at times sarcastic" (Encyclopaedia Iranica). Ghani calls Eastwick's account "one of the best 19th century books on Persia by one of the most knowledgeable British diplomats who served there" (Ghani). Ghani p. 111; Wilson p. 65.
