Wylde “is authoritative on military and diplomatic affairs between 1883 and 1887… [and] contributes significantly to our knowledge of everyday life in Ethiopia, especially in Adwa and Asmara” (Pankhurst).
Moving at ease through all echelons of Ethiopian society, Wylde remained free of the prevailing European prejudices against Africans. In 1883, he was present at the signing of a treaty between Britain, Egypt and Abyssinia, yet was on good terms with Ethiopians from all walks of life. The importance of his account stems from the duality of his experience. Pankhurst, 65.
