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First edition of Elphinstone's important survey of Afghanistan, with striking plates. Elphinstone (1779-1859) was appointed ambassador to the Afghan court of Kabul in 1808, and although his mission of thwarting French ambitions in the region was largely ineffectual, his reflections on his journey there were very influential in the British government: "...Elphinstone penned a masterly state paper, which it is not too much to call the foundation of all but continuous subsequent policy" (DNB, 1888). The notable plates include Afghan tribesmen and officials, a few on horseback. The map by Lt. John Macartney, " A Map of the Kingom of Caubal, and some of the Neighboring Countries... (24x30") is a monumental achievement in itself, stretching from the Punjab to Persia, and Samarkand in the north to Beloochestan in the south. There is a period ownership signature "Thos. Barker" (lined through) on the title page as well as the original binder's instructions on title verso.