This collection spans the years 1842 to 1880, a crucial period that covers the heightening tension in Central Asia caused by increasing rivalry between the two dominant powers, Britain and Russia, and the second Afghan War.

Whilst the first part of the period was fairly calm, with proponents of 'masterly inactivity' on both sides in the ascendant, the Russians then began to subjugate progressively the Khanates of Central Asia, prompting a British riposte in the form of an invasion of Afghanistan, no less misconceived than that of its predecessor. Towards the end of this time, concern began to grow over the possible vulnerability of India to Russian encroachments from the direction of Badakhstan and Eastern Turkestan.

This important collection features original documents, policy papers and reports of campaigns and expeditions, both British and Russian, to provide a fascinating insight into the conflicts that occurred in the region.