Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1819. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... An account of the kingdom of Caubul, and its dependencies in Persia, Tartary, and India Mountstuart Elphinstone PREFACE. I have seen but a part of the countries which I am about to describe, it is necessary that I should give an account of the sources from which I have drawn my information; and I take the opportunity, thus afforded, of acknowledging my obligations to the gentlemen from whom I have received assistance. I was engaged for a year on my journey to the King of Caubul's court, and another year elapsed before the mission was finally dissolved. The whole of that period was employed in such enquiries regarding the kingdom of Caubul as were likely to be useful to the British government. The first part of the time was spent, by all the members of the mission, in the acquisition of general information; but during the remainder, a precise plan was arranged among the party, and a particular branch of the investigation assigned to every gentleman who took a share in it. The geography was allotted to Lieutenant Macartney (Mr. Tickell, the other surveyor, having been sent back to India on duty); and he was assisted by Captain Raper, already known to the Public by his account of a Journey to the Sources of the Ganges. The climate, soil, produce and husbandry were undertaken by Lieutenant Irvine, and the trade and revenue by Mr. Richard Strachey. The history fell to Mr. Robert Alexander, and the government and the manners of the people to me. We had abundant opportunities of enquiry while in the Afghaun dominions; and, after our return, we continued to examine the numerous natives of those countries that accompanied us, and those whom we could meet with at Delly and in its neighbourhood. We also went to the fair...