[China] — John Bell-Irving

8vo (7 3/4 x 5 3/8 in.; 196 x 137mm). 170pp., 3 albumen prints (approximately 6 x 4 1/4 in.; 153 x 108mm) mounted onto leaves, head- and tailpieces; minor foxing, primarily to mount leaves, not affecting images.  Contemporary full black morocco over stiff card, covers ruled in silver, upper cover with text in blindstamp, edges silvered, decorative endpapers; rebacked to style, edges rubbed. Later slipcase and chemise.

OCLC 42241800 (Princeton)

8vo (7 3/4 x 5 3/8 in.; 196 x 137mm). 170pp., 3 albumen prints (approximately 6 x 4 1/4 in.; 153 x 108mm) mounted onto leaves, head- and tailpieces; minor foxing, primarily to mount leaves, not affecting images. Contemporary full black morocco over stiff card, covers ruled in silver, upper cover with text in blindstamp, edges silvered, decorative endpapers; rebacked to style, edges rubbed. Later slipcase and chemise.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

Only edition. A signed presentation copy from the author, John Bell-Irving, to Douglas Jones.Bell-Irving was a Scottish businessman who spent much of his professional life in Hong Kong. While there, he was a partner of the Jardine Matheson & Co., one of the leading trading firms in the Far East, and director of the Hongkong Electric Company. Jones was Secretary of the Union Insurance Society of Canton, of Shanghai. "The greatest pleasure in up-country shooting trips," Bell-Irving claims, "is the idea of perfect freedom, far removed from business cares, and beyond the reach of letters and telegrams." Each entry is relatively brief, but through these the author offers a detailed account of the conditions and the game bagged.