The Highlands of Ethiopia

"The Highlands of Ethiopia" by Sir William Cornwallis Harris is a narrative chronicling the author's leadership of a British Embassy to the kingdom of Shoa, set in the rugged terrain of 19th-century Ethiopia. Harris aims to paint a detailed picture of Abyssinia’s landscapes and its people, all while responding to criticism of both him, his crew, and the purpose of the expedition. Starting with reflections on preparing to leave India, he describes how the personalities within the vessel deal with the challenges of the journey, establishing the purpose of the mission: to address criticism, and showcase the beauty of the region. Harris sets out to capture the spirit of Ethiopian life with enthusiasm while preparing the reader for the challenges that await.