Narrative of a Journey from Heraut to Khiva, Moscow, and St Petersburgh during the Late Russian Invasion of Khiva
With Some Account of the Court of Khiva and the Kingdom of Khaurism

First published in 1843, this two-volume travelogue recounts a British officer's diplomatic mission through Central Asia and Russia in 1839.

James Abbott (Author)

9781108053952, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 October 2012

430 pages, 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.54 kg

This two-volume travelogue recounts the diplomatic mission through Central Asia and Russia undertaken by James Abbott (1807–96) in 1839. An officer in the Bengal Artillery, Abbott first travelled to Central Asia in 1838 and was soon drawn into the 'Great Game' between Russia and Britain as they struggled for influence in the region. When Russia launched an expedition against Khiva in 1839, ostensibly to free Russian slaves, Abbott was sent there to advise the Khan and then travelled to Russia to initiate mediation. While the Russian slaves were freed by Abbott's successor, Abbott believed he had succeeded and published this account in 1843. The work includes anecdotes of his experiences and observations on the cultures and landscapes he encountered. In Volume 1, he describes his journey from Herat to Khiva and the beginning of his journey to Russia.

Preface
Preliminary remarks
1. Departure from Heraut
2. The tent of plenty of the Yahmoot
3. Jew merchants
4. Reception at the house of an Oozbeg gentleman
5. Excessive chill of the air at Kiva
6. Second audience
7. Third audience of the Khaun Huzurut
8. Discussion of routes
9. Delay in my mission
10. Interview with the Mehtur
11. Visit of an Afghan priest
12. Report of the advance of the British arms
13. The Ummeer of Bokhara's refusal to release Colonel Stoddart
14. Departure of the Persian ambassador
15. Departure from Khiva
16. Visits from Toorcumuns
17. Chase of the wild ass
18. Rapacity of the guide
19. Story of Hautim, the Arab
20. Ferocity of Toorcumun horses
21. Cliffs of shell sandstone
22. The treacherous messenger
23. A rencontre
24. Hilarity of the young guide
25. Capture of Maimood and Ali Muhummud
26. Embarassment of Ahris Mhatoor
27. Hopelessness of our predicament.

Subject Areas: Middle Eastern history [HBJF1]