Slaves and Ivory, Continued

Slaves and Ivory, Continued: Letters from Capt. Richard C.R. Whalley, British Consul at Maji, S.W. Abyssinia 1930‑1936is a rare and illuminating historical collection published in 2010 by Shama Books in Addis Ababa. Authored by Richard Cyril Rae Whalley and edited by Cynthia Salvadori, this monumental volume brings together 481 pages of firsthand correspondence written during Whalley’s tenure as British Consul in the remote region of Maji in southwest Abyssinia (now Ethiopia).

In Slaves and Ivory, Continued, readers gain direct insight into colonial administrative life, local politics, and the complex realities of East African society during the early 20th century. The letters span daily reports, diplomatic challenges, and vivid observations of the ivory trade and the slave routes that crisscrossed the region—topics that have historically received limited scholarly attention. Through Whalley’s words, the book offers a rare window into the moral and geopolitical tensions of the era, as well as the interactions between British officials and indigenous communities. Maps, illustrations, and well‑documented context enrich the narrative, making the correspondence valuable not only to historians but to anyone interested in the human dimensions of colonial history and trade.

What distinguishes Slaves and Ivory, Continued is its authentic archival voice. Instead of interpreting events retrospectively, the letters reflect the immediacy of experience, capturing both routine consular duties and the extraordinary challenges of life on the frontier. For researchers, students, and history enthusiasts, this book serves as a compelling primary source on British diplomatic service, the African slave trade’s lingering impact, and the contested landscape of power, commerce, and culture in Abyssinia’s southwestern frontier.

Condition: Very Good – Light shelf wear and creasing of paperback cover.