Ismailia

"Ismailia" by Sir Samuel White Baker is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The book documents Baker's expedition to Central Africa, commissioned by the Khedive of Egypt, aimed at suppressing the slave trade and establishing legitimate commerce in the region. The narrative likely explores the sociopolitical landscape of the time, detailing efforts to eradicate slavery and the obstacles encountered in that mission. At the start of "Ismailia," Baker provides a preface outlining the motivations behind the expedition, emphasizing the horrors of the slave trade witnessed in his earlier travels. He introduces the dire situation in Central Africa, characterized by rampant slavery and lawlessness orchestrated by Arab traders. Baker highlights the Khedive’s commitment to reforming society and the challenges he faces from both supporters and detractors of the expedition. As the opening progresses, Baker lays the groundwork for the mission, describing the logistical challenges and preparations necessary to transport troops and supplies across treacherous terrain. The tone is one of determination and resolve as he prepares to confront powerful and entrenched interests resistant to change. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Samuel White Baker was an English explorer, officer, naturalist, big game hunter, engineer, writer and abolitionist. He also held the titles of Pasha and Major-General in the Ottoman Empire and Egypt. He served as the Governor-General of the Equatorial Nile Basin between April 1869 and August 1873, which he established as the Province of Equatoria. He is mostly remembered as the first European to visit Lake Albert, as an explorer of the Nile and interior of central Africa, and for his exploits as a big game hunter in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. Baker wrote a considerable number of books and published articles. He was a friend of King Edward VII, who as Prince of Wales, visited Baker with Queen Alexandra in Egypt. Other friendships were with explorers Henry Morton Stanley, Roderick Murchison, John H. Speke and James A. Grant, with the ruler of Egypt Pasha Ismail The Magnificent, Major-General Charles George Gordon and Maharaja Duleep Singh.