[Exploration and Travel - China and Central Asia] Aurel Stein's Classic Account, The Ruins of Desert Cathay, 1912 1st Ed. with Maps & Plates

Stein, M(arc) Aurel. RUINS OF DESERT CATHAY: PERSONAL NARRATIVE OF EXPLORATIONS IN CENTRAL ASIA AND WESTERNMOST CHINA. London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1912. 2 Volumes. First Edition. 9 1/4 by 6 3/4 inches in 1/2 green morocco and marbled boards. Complete with 333 illustrations; 13 panoramas and plates; and 3 large color folding maps. From the preface: "The purpose of these volumes is to furnish the general reader with a personal record of the archaeological and geographical explorations which, during the years 19061908, I carried out under the orders of the Government of India in remote parts of Central Asia and westernmost China. The plan of these explorations was based upon the experiences and results of my earlier journey in Chinese Turkestan, during 1900-1901, of which my Sand-btiried Ruins of Khotan, first published in 1903, contained a popular account. In the Introduction to that book I explained the manifold historical and other interests which first attracted me to pioneer work in what was then practically a virgin field for antiquarian research. When subsequently publishing the Detailed Report on the scientific results of that journey in myAncient Khotan (Oxford University Press, 1907, two vols. quarto), I had occasion to dwell more fully upon the singular fascination possessed by the ancient remains of a region which once served as the main channel for the interchange of the civilizations of India, China, and the classical West, and also upon the geographical interest of the deserts which have helped to preserve those relics. There seems therefore no need to detail here the general aims which guided me in the plans of my second journey."

The ex-library indicators include: paper labels to spine (one removed); embossed blindstamp to both titles; penciled number at head of table of contents; evidence of pocket removal from rear pastedowns (no marks to front endpages). The bindings show rubbing and edgewear, heavier along the joints, but are firm and solid. The contents are complete, fresh and quite clean. There are a couple of small closed tears to the maps where they attach to the binding but otherwise they are Fine. 

Eliminate the Hassle of Third-Party Shippers: Let Cowan's Ship Directly To You!
If you'd like a shipping estimate before the auction, contact Cowan's in-house shipping department at shipping@cowans.com or 513.871.1670 x219.