"Although many of the works on show in the exhibition catalogued in this superb publication appeared at the time in the Illustrated London News, for most readers this will be their first opportunity to see them in colour. Indeed, several of the sketches have never before been published in their original form ? notably William Simpson?s drawing of Prince Alemayehou, which was executed only a few days after the death of his father, the Emperor Tewedros, and of whom very few images have been handed down to us. Readers are also treated to a number of fascinating tidbits, such as the methods practiced by publishers? studio staff to enhance landscape sketches with the addition of human figures, and many will be intrigued to learn of the ?cut and paste? origins of the graphic cover used to illustrate John Pridham?s musical composition commemorating the battle.Professors Pankhurst and Northrup are to be congratulated not only for a succinct and readable presentation of the historical background, but for their insight into the relationship between Ethiopia and the outside world prevailing in the mid-19th century. Whereas previous writers have tended to portray events leading up to the ?Abyssinian difficulty? through European eyes; the reader can now begin to see them in the Ethiopian context. It is a sad irony that it is only in the 21st century that we begin to see that Tewedros?s cultural values had more in common with the pre-Renaissance world of Prester John than with post-industrial revolution Britain. Clearly the British government?s outrage at the imprisonment of its consul, and Napier?s subsequent refusal to accept anything less than total surrender ? even after the release of the prisoners ? would not have been anticipated or even understood by an essentially medi?val monarch. Both Ethiopianists and lovers of military art will be grateful to Frederic Sharf for a unique and important publication. Following hard on the heels of Diary of a Journey to Abyssinia, this carefully prepared exhibition of paintings and drawings of Britain?s Abyssinia expedition fills some significant gaps in our knowledge of 19th century Ethiopia."Ian Campbell, Scholar on Ethiopian Art History

The Expedition to Magdala of 1867-1868 was a memorable event in British Military history of warfare in general, and in the history of Ethiopia. Meticulously planned and executed, the campaign was a triumph for its commander, Sir Robert Napier. It was notable for the use of Elephants imported from India, the building of a port railway and the use of breech-loading rifles, the first time they employed in War.

The Abyssinian Campaign of 1867-68 was a remarkable and now largely forgotten military undertaking of the Victorian Era. The expedition demonstrated the power and 'reach' of the British Empire, and no other nation at that time could have considered, let alone undertaken, such an operation. The Abyssinian Empire was a difficult country to invade due to its distance from any major port, the harshness of its terrain, and the inhospitable climatic conditions that swung from blistering heat to sub-zero conditions. Faced with no port facilities along the Red Sea Littoral, the British constructed a harbour, landing stations, roads, telegraph lines, and even a railway, in terrain that had been deserted before their arrival. The logistical demands of the campaign were enormous. To maintain an Anglo-Indian army of around 13,000 men, with around 20,000 camp followers, and over 40,000 animals, was a mammoth task that drew upon the skills of the Royal Navy, the considerable British and Indian merchant marine, and the cutting edge of technology. The campaign was remarkable in that there was to be no territorial aggrandisement, no capture of precious resources, or securing of strategic concerns. The Abyssinian Campaign was one that was conducted partly to rescue British and 'European' prisoners held by the increasingly mental unstable Emperor Theodore (Tewodros) II, and partly to restore and maintain British prestige. That this campaign was successful owed much not only to British power, resources, and technology, but also the remarkable leadership of Lieutenant General Sir Robert Napier, later Field Marshal and 1st Baron Napier of Magdala. An experienced officer of engineers he had also seen much active service. His skill and ability helped to ensure that a very difficult campaign in extremely hostile geographical and climatic conditions was successful. The campaign is largely forgotten today, but is worth remembering as a remarkable logistical exercised carry out under very difficult conditions. It was by no means a perfect campaign and much went wrong. Given the difficulty of the task at hand this was inevitable. That it was successful owed much to British technological advancement, and the great skill shown by Napier and his staff.

Offers a revised and updated history of thirteen of the most significant British conflicts during the Victorian period.