Reconnoitring in Abyssinia: A narrative of the proceedings of the reconnoitring party, prior to the arrival of the main body of The Expeditionary Field Force

In 1867 the British Government resolved to invade Abyssinia to remedy the embarrassment caused by the imprisonment of the British Consul in the fortress of Magdala by the Christian King Theodorous.
Prior to the main Expeditionary Force led by Sir Robert Napier, a small reconnoitring party commanded by Colonel Henry St Clair Wilkins of the Royal Engineers was despatched and this is his detailed account of that successful precursor to the main campaign. Including several colour plates, this book not only explains the politics of the campaign but graphically describes the terrain and people of this harsh environment.