The Junks and Sampans of the Yangtze: A Study in Chinese Nautical Research

Shanghai: The Statistical Department of the Inspectorate General of Customs, 1947. First edition. Cloth. Very Good Indeed. 11.5" by 9". Not Stated. A smart first edition of this detailed illustrated study into Chinese nautical research, volume one only. Volume one only. Introduction; and Craft of the Estuary and Shanghai Area. Review copy. Published by the Order of the Inspector General of Customs. Illustrated with a frontispiece, a colour folding map, eighty-three plates, seven of which are folding, and seventeen in-text images. Collated complete. A detailed study of the nautical research of China, with chapters on the Chinese Junk in history, the Junks and the Sampans of the Yangtze estuary, methods of propulsion, masts and sails, methods of sheeting, the Chinese compass, anchors and rudders, as well as a nautical chronological table. Written by G. R. G. Worcester, an English sailor who left the British Royal Navy to join the Marine Department of the Chinese Maritime Customs Service. Includes a photocopy of the title page and contents of volume two. In the original quarter navy blue cloth with light blue boards. Externally, very smart with the odd mark to the boards. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very bright and clean. Review copy stamp to the front endpaper. Contemporary ink inscription to the front endpaper and title page. Very Good Indeed