Many readers will be familiar with the name Francis Frith, which is associated with the world of picture postcards, often of seaside views or famous sights. What you will discover from this fascinating and detailed work is that Frith was not only a pioneer in the relatively young field of photography – he was also an imaginative and enterprising traveller.
The book falls naturally into sections beginning with a biographical summary of Francis’ early life in Chesterfield, and in Liverpool where he acquired his photographic skill and enthusiasm as a member of the Liverpool Photographic Society. His lifelong religious belief as a member of the Society of Friends led him to the next phase of his life.
As a young man, he was determined to visit the Bible lands which included Palestine, but began his tour in Egypt in 1856. Three Middle Eastern expeditions are vividly recorded and show the exhilaration he felt on his first visit:
