Grandeur et Suprématie de Peking
Peking: Imprimerie des Lazaristes, 1928. First Edition. Handsome original binding, attractive deep green leather with five [5] raised bands highlighted in gilt with titling in gilt on the spine, includes yellow patterned end papers. 12.75" x 9.5", 2 - 607 [3] pp. Number 405 of a limited edition of 1000 copies, this one of 900 on Alfa Satine paper. Book is in French. Numerous, 960 Illustrations including 560 wood engravings and 140 similigravures, mostly black and white line illustrations. Pencil notation on p. 14 tracking the years of the Chinese Dynasties. Laid into the book is a hand colored map of China and seven hand written pages of a table of the Chinese Dynasties and their corresponding leader names and years. Otherwise, this large text block is clean and well bound. Cover has some buffing on front / rear, rubbing to bands, early split developing at head of spine hinge, corners of rear cover slightly bowed.
This comprehensive work on the history of the Forbidden City is divided into two parts. Part I traces the history of Peking from the Yuan Dynasty through to the nascent years of Republican China, including the Boxer Rebellion with chapters on Christianity - one on the Lazaristes who published this tome. Part II is a treatise on the culture and customs, art and architecture (include palaces and temples), and customs of its peoples, including palaces, pagodas, religious ceremonies trade, wedding customs. Very good. Item #2846
"'L'Ordre des Lazaristes ne s'est pas seuleent distingue par de magnifiques devouements et par des sacrifeces, qui fourniraient la matier du livre le plus emouvant..." (Letter from Henry Cosme, Embassy Ambassador).
Price: $650.00