China

London: Times Newspapers / The Royal Academy, 1973. Full morocco, 9 3/4 inches tall. A fine binding by Zaehnsdorf with raised bands, gilt titles, design to upper board, dentelles and all edges. Rubbing to the joints and a musty aroma, otherwise a very fine copy. This is the scarce full leather deluxe edition to celebrate this great exhibition of the finds of the People's Republic of China at the Royal Academy, London from September 1973 to January 1794. Many of the 365 exhibits are illustrated in colour with the rest in black and white.

Paris: Didot, 1810. 2 volume set, 6 1/2 inches tall. Scarce utopian novel in superb full mottled calf from the beginning of the 19th century. With gilt bands, twin labels and very fine gilt tooling to the panels. Speckled edge. A neat ink owner's name 'Stewart' at the head of the first title page. A remarkable work purporting to be the travels of a Chinese explorer in Europe 100 years in the future. From the library of Charles William Vane (formerly Stewart), third Marquess of Londonderry. Vane served with distinction throughout the Peninsula War. His dashing and dandified portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence is at the National Portrait Gallery. He amassed magnificent libraries in his various Country Houses. A splendid example of this rare and fantastical work.