The Hammer of God by Alan Scholefield. 1st ed 1973. H/C with jacket. 206 pp.

The harsh, unpredictable world of 19th century Abyssinia.

A small band of English travellers make their way to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in search of a scarce ibex. Little do they know that the ruler, emperor Theodore, became increasingly insane when Queen Victoria refused to meet with his ambassador, let alone agree to a marriage alliance by which they could rule the world. The upshot is that Theodore imprisoned all foreigners on Magdala, his mountain fortress. 

First published 1973 by William Heinemann, London. Condition: Very good. Jacket protected by plastic. A print of Magdala on endpapers.