The Spell of China
Boston: The Page Company, 1917. First edition. 8vo. Pp. xiv, 404. Illustrated endpapers. Folding map. Illustrated with eight color plates and photographic reproductions by E.M. Newman. T.e.g. Color illustrated green cloth. Near Fine. Near Fine. Item #9743 A superb example of decorated cloth.
Albeit a book in a loosely organized series by publisher Page Company (The Spell of Egypt and The Spell of the Holy Land were earlier efforts), the author digs deep into his idiosyncratic interests in aspects of Chinese culture. His in-the-field research into opium use, for instance, provides some startling insights into the illicit trade, revealing that the homes of those who traffic in the contraband are financed with income that rivals "the figures of Standard Oil magnates' earnings.
Price: $150.00