FIRST EDITIONS of volumes 3 and 4, second editions of volumes 1 and 2, 4 volumes, folio (472 x 340mm.), 96 plates with 222 photographic illustrations, most captioned in pencil below, original cloth gilt, gilt edges, housed in two modern red morocco-backed cloth folding boxes, plate 11 vol.4 slightly soiled and frayed, bindings expertly rebacked and corners repaired

Ladyman, book label in vol.2 and 3

Western Travellers in China, 91

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

THE FIRST LARGE-SCALE PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF CHINA.

"John Thomson (1837-1921), a pioneering Scottish geographer and traveller, was the first known photographer to document the people and landscape of China for publication and dissemination to the Western world. Between 1868 and 1872 he travelled over 6,500 kilometres with his cumbersome camera and equipment, darkroom and chemicals capturing all aspects of Chinese life. The photographs in these four volumes show the many sides of China: sweeping landscapes, royalty and ruling classes, merchants and economic activity, everyday life, and the faces of men, women and children. In a time when knowledge was derived from observation and classification it should not seem odd that Thomson desired a recognition not from the quality of his photographs, but from his contributions to general knowledge" (Western Travellers in China).