Colomb, Philip Howard

FIRST EDITION, 8vo, viii, [iv], 504pp., half-title, folding map, 8 plates, original decorated russet cloth, gilt edges, yellow endpapers, slipcase, binding slightly tired

A good copy
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A discussion of the East African slave trade, and of the general conditions under which the traffic proceeds or is suppressed; it includes chapters on Muscat and Oman, and the Persian Gulf, as well as Zanzibar and Madagascar.

Colomb's visit to Bahrein coincided with disturbances brought about by the ousting (by the British) and subsequent return of Mohammed-bin-Kalifah, who was supported by Mubarak-al-Abdullah and Rashid-bin-Muselim, who were in turn backed by the Wahabis. The plan was to use dhows from Khor Hassan to ferry Rashid's forces to Bahrein, but rather than risk incurring the wrath of either the British on one side or the Wahabis on the other by becoming involved, the inhabitants of Khor Hassan sought refuge with Mohammed-bin-Thani. Colomb visited Wukra to meet Mohammed-bin-Thani and here describes his encounter and attempts to cure the sheikh's blindness (pp.154-160).