Philby (Harry St. John Bridger). Iraq in War Time, 1919

[Philby, Harry St. John Bridger]. Iraq in War Time, 1st edition, published by Superintendent, Government Press, Basrah, printed and engraved at the Government Office, Basrah, [1919], over 200 photographic illustrations, captioned in English and Arabic, stitching weak, a few leaves detached, one or two short closed tears, previous owner signature to front endpaper, original green cloth, upper cover with small title and illustration in gilt, lower cover with Arabic title in gilt, a few damp stains, small hole to upper cover, 4to

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The first photographic book on Iraq and Central Arabia. The views are mostly of Iraq, including British officers and Arab dignitaries, topographical views, crafts, agriculture, events, a small section on Persia, and Central Arabia, with views of Jedda and Riyadh among others. Harry St John "Jack" Philby (or Sheikh Abdullah (1885-1960) was an Arabist and explorer, who while stationed with the British administration in Baghdad became involved with the Arab revolt against Ottoman Turkey during the First World War, and in 1917 undertook a journey to the interior of the Arabian Peninsula on a mission to Ibn Saud. He was later controversially embroiled in the subsequent political outcome on the Peninsula and subsequent deals after oil was discovered. His son, by his first marriage was the MI6 traitor Kim Philby.

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