First edition. Harper Collins. London. 1996. Octavo. xvii, (2), 214pp. 2 colour maps, numerous photographs. Original cloth, in original dust wrapper. Light marginal toning. A very nice copy. In 1930 Thesiger attended the coronation of Haile Selassie in Addis Ababa, at the Emperor's personal invitation. The following month he spent hunting alone in the hostile Danakil desert of Abyssinia, which led three years later to his successful exploration of the Awash River, an expedition he regarded as the most dangerous he ever undertook. Aged only 23, Thesiger became the first European to travel through the fabled Sultanate of Aussa. His journey solved one of Africa's last remaining geographical mysteries, and established his reputation as one of the greatest explorers. Thesiger's diary is illustrated with original sketch maps and drawings, and many of his previously unpublished photographs.