Narrative of a Journey from Heraut to Khiva, Moscow, and St Petersburgh during the Late Russian Invasion of Khiva With Some Account of the Court of Khiva and the Kingdom of Khaurism Narrative of a Journey from Heraut to Khiva, Moscow, and St Petersburgh during the Late Russian Invasion of Khiva 2 Volume Set Series

This two-volume travelogue recounts the diplomatic mission through Central Asia and Russia undertaken by James Abbott (1807?96) in 1839. An officer in the Bengal Artillery, Abbott first travelled to Central Asia in 1838 and was soon drawn into the 'Great Game' between Russia and Britain as they struggled for influence in the region. When Russia launched an expedition against Khiva in 1839, ostensibly to free Russian slaves, Abbott was sent there to advise the Khan and then travelled to Russia to initiate mediation. While the Russian slaves were freed by Abbott's successor, Abbott believed he had succeeded and published this account in 1843. The work includes anecdotes of his experiences and observations on the cultures and landscapes he encountered. In Volume 1, he describes his journey from Herat to Khiva and the beginning of his journey to Russia.

Preface; Preliminary remarks; 1. Departure from Heraut; 2. The tent of plenty of the Yahmoot; 3. Jew merchants; 4. Reception at the house of an Oozbeg gentleman; 5. Excessive chill of the air at Kiva; 6. Second audience; 7. Third audience of the Khaun Huzurut; 8. Discussion of routes; 9. Delay in my mission; 10. Interview with the Mehtur; 11. Visit of an Afghan priest; 12. Report of the advance of the British arms; 13. The Ummeer of Bokhara's refusal to release Colonel Stoddart; 14. Departure of the Persian ambassador; 15. Departure from Khiva; 16. Visits from Toorcumuns; 17. Chase of the wild ass; 18. Rapacity of the guide; 19. Story of Hautim, the Arab; 20. Ferocity of Toorcumun horses; 21. Cliffs of shell sandstone; 22. The treacherous messenger; 23. A rencontre; 24. Hilarity of the young guide; 25. Capture of Maimood and Ali Muhummud; 26. Embarassment of Ahris Mhatoor; 27. Hopelessness of our predicament.