ATKINSON, James (1780–1852). Sketches in

ATKINSON, James (1780–1852). Sketches in Afghaunistan. London: Henry Graves & Co.; and W. Allen & Co., [1842]. Large folio (546 x 383 mm). Pictorial lithograph title–page and 25 tinted lithographs by Louis and Charles Haghe after Atkinson, lithographed dedication leaf (marginal tear expertly repaired), letterpress leaf of plate descriptions printed in blue at rear (discrete marginal repairs). Contemporary quarter olive straight–grain morocco gilt, gilt–lettered green moiré sides (recased preserving original spine and endpapers, gutters reinforced, neat repairs at extreme ends of spine, extremities gently darkened, joints a bit rubbed, some spotting or staining to boards). FIRST EDITION of one of the finest illustrated books on Afghanistan depicting a selection of views during the First Anglo–Afghan War of what was then an unexplored country. Atkinson was a surgeon in the Bengal service and was chosen as Superintending Surgeon to the Army of the Indus as they marched to Kabul in 1839. Atkinson was relieved shortly after the surrender of Dost Mohammed and returned to Bengal in 1841, escaping the fate which awaited the occupying British Indian force. Abbey, Travel 508; Colas 173; Lipperheide 1493; Tooley 73.