Sir William Garstin — Despatch from His Majesty"S Agent and Consul-General at Cairo
London, Printed for His MajestyÂs Stationery Office, by Harrison and Sons, 1904 . First edition. Leather. A substantial first edition official survey of the Upper Nile, richly illustrated with plates and folding plans, offering insight into irrigation and engineering in Egypt at the height of British colonial administration. In a contemporary half calf binding with cloth boards. First edition. A detailed official report on the hydrology, geography, and engineering potential of the Upper Nile basin, including the Victoria Nyanza, Albert Lakes, and the Bahr-el-Gebel, with extensive data on river discharge and irrigation schemes.Illustrated with forty-six monochrome plates and fourteen plans and maps, including multi-sheet general map, extensive river sections, Lake Tsana plans, and a longitudinal section of the Atbara. Collated, complete.Compiled by Sir William Garstin, Under-Secretary of State for Public Works in Egypt, the work reflects British imperial surveying and hydraulic engineering efforts in East Africa at the height of colonial administration. In a contemporary half calf binding with cloth boards. Externally, generally smart. Rubbing and bumping to extremities resulting in slight loss to calf, more so to head of spine. One very minor perforation mark to rear joint, likely the result of insect damage. Slight rubbing to boards with one or two very minor handling marks. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean if slightly age toned with one or two light spots to fore edge. Plan VI is slightly protruding from the text block, having been folded slightly incorrectly, with one or two very mall closed tears to fore edge and more pronounced age toning and as a result. One or two small closed tears to folding maps and plans at points of extension. Very Good . Ill.: None Stated. Very Good .
