HISTORY OF ZANZIBAR FROM THE MIDDLE AGES TO 1856

The history of Zanzibar and Pemba from the Middle Ages to 1856 is a definitive scholarly account of Zanzibar's development from early, pre-colonial times to the death of Sultan Said bin Sultan. It focuses on the rise of the Omani sultanate, Arab, Portuguese and British influence, and diplomatic and economic trade dynamics - but also covers topics such as the slave trade, the ivory trade, and the administrative structure of the East African coast.

This interesting book begins with the early occupation by the Portuguese and with a detailed account of Zanzibar's various alliances in which the fluctuation of power in Europe and the growing consequence of America are reflected - The second half of the book, while continuing to examine international relations, becomes almost a personal history of Said bin Sultan, the Ruler of Oman, who took Zanzibar shortly after the Napoleonic wars, and whose character dominated its history until his death in 1856.

With 3 single-page maps showing Zanzibar Island, Pemba Island and the Indian Ocean with surrounding territories.

Contents:

I. Introductory
II. Early History of Zanzibar and Pemba;
III. The Portuguese in Zanzibar, 1498-1698;
IV. The Portuguese in Pemba, 1506-1695;
V. Zanzibar Under the Arabs of Oman, 1698-1815;
VI. The Coming of Said Bin Sultan to East Africa, 1814-28;
VII. Seyyid Said Bin Sultan in Zanzibar, 1833-56;
VIII. Seyyid Said and the African Inhabitants of Zanzibar and Pemba;
IX. Relations of Seyyid Said with Portugal, France and Germany;
X. Seyyid Said and the United States of America.
XI. Seyyid Said and the Slave Trade;
XII. The British Consulate at Zanzibar;
XIII. Seyyid Said Bin Sultan's latter days;
Authorities;
Bibliography;
Maps;
Index.

PROVENANCE: Ex-libris copy by Prosser Gifford (1929-2020), who was a historian, author, and academic administrator. He held various positions at notable academic institutions including the position of first Dean of Faculty at Amherst College. He is probably best known for his work as Director of Scholarly Programs at the Library of Congress. He contributed numerous works to the fields of African History and U.S. Foreign Policy. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosser_Gifford)

Original publisher's teal cloth, gilt lettering to the spine. Dust jacket; Text in English; Collation complete - False title, Title page, [2], 3 single-page maps, 314 pages; Ex-libris label and pen inscription by Prosser Gifford to the front paste down. The duck jacket little bumped overall with small fraying to the spine extremities, minor yellowing and little dusty to the rear and inner folds. Binding with usual shelf wear, remains strong, tight and firm, extremities with minor bumping and surface scuffing. Pages/text block clear and very bright, no foxing and markings throughout, minor yellowing. A sound copy.

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