The Yangtze Valley and Beyond

London: Folio Society, 2018. First Edition Thus, First Impression First Printing. Hardcover. As New. 4to - over 9¾ - 12" tall. Bird, Isabella. A mint copy as received directly from The Folio Society, having been removed from the publisher's shrink wrap, checked for flaws - of which there are none, photographed and shelved. This is a landmark edition of Isabella Bird's monumental journey down the Yangtze river in 19th-century China, featuring over 100 photographs, each carefully restored by Folio. Bound in silk-like teal cloth, printed and blocked in gold and black. 11'' x 7¼''. Printed on Arctic Volume Ivory Paper and set in Dante. 448 pages. 106 duotone photographs and 4 mono drawings. Fold-out map in corner pocket. Blocked slipcase. Isabella Bird was the most remarkable female traveller of the 19th century, and her subsequent travel books have become classics of the genre. Famed for extraordinary journeys which would be impressive even by today's standards, her expeditions culminated, aged 65, in her seven-month solo exploration along the Yangtze river in China in 1896. Bird was elected to the Royal Photographic Society in 1897 and this book was published two years later, offering one of the earliest photojournalistic accounts of China at the end of the nineteenth century. From the traditional dress of soldiers and labourers, to the hospitals, villages, guesthouses and temples visited along the route, the images provide a valuable record of China on the cusp of change and under pressure from foreign influence. This spectacular Folio Society edition features over 100 original photographs, including some previously unpublished. The selection was sourced from the archives of original pictures, plates and lantern slides held by the Royal Geographical Society and National Library of Scotland. First developed by Bird in her tiny quarters on the bobbing houseboat and washed in the Yangtze river itself, the images have been painstakingly reproduced by Folio to increase clarity and ensure consistency of tone. The original map charting Bird's route across the Yangtze basin has also been beautifully reproduced on a larger, fold-out scale, and is presented in a corner pocket at the rear of the book. 4to - over 9¾ - 12" tall. Printed and bound in Italy. First edition thus, first impression. Heavy/oversize. U.K. postage at default charge but overseas buyers will be asked for extra. Enquiries welcome. All orders professionally packed, tracked and/or signed-for, and insured.