[CHINA] — FRANCIS A. GROOM. 'THE SPORTSMAN'S DIARY FOR SHOOTING TRIPS IN NORTHERN CHINA'. SHANGHAI: THE "NORTH CHINA HERALD" OFFICE, 1873

4to (10 1/8 x 8 in.; 257 x 203mm). Title-page, printed preface and index, autograph manuscript by Jones, printed work with manuscript insertions (manuscript 119pp., printed 56pp.); minor toning, marginal tear to lower corner of one leaf. Original roan, covers with double gilt-rules, upper cover gilt-lettered, flat spine with gilt rules; recased, preserving central compartments of original covers and endpapers with corners renewed, some rubbing and soiling to covers. [With]: A small collection of related material, including: Chinese permits for shooting, a permit to shoot in Hong Kong and the New Territories, manuscript maps, letters, etc. Volume and ephemera in black cloth chemises, together in quarter black morocco slipcase, spines with gilt rules and lettering. 

4to (10 1/8 x 8 in.; 257 x 203mm). Title-page, printed preface and index, autograph manuscript by Jones, printed work with manuscript insertions (manuscript 119pp., printed 56pp.); minor toning, marginal tear to lower corner of one leaf. Original roan, covers with double gilt-rules, upper cover gilt-lettered, flat spine with gilt rules; recased, preserving central compartments of original covers and endpapers with corners renewed, some rubbing and soiling to covers. [With]: A small collection of related material, including: Chinese permits for shooting, a permit to shoot in Hong Kong and the New Territories, manuscript maps, letters, etc. Volume and ephemera in black cloth chemises, together in quarter black morocco slipcase, spines with gilt rules and lettering.
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, signed presentation copy from the author to Douglas Jones. "The immense tracts of country available for purposes of sport and well stocked with game, the entire absence of game laws, and the friendly disposition of the natives, combine to render Keang-soo and the adjoining provinces a very Paradise for sportsmen..." (Groom, from the Preface). The diary features practical divisions, such as a "Register of Game Bagged", and even a "Vocabulary" section with Chinese/English translations and accompanying phonetic pronunciations, counting "I will give you a reward," and "If you get hurt don't blame me," among its phrases.