Armand David - Journal de mon troisième voyage d'exploration dans l'empire chinois - 1875

Armand David. Journal of my third expedition into the Chinese empire. Paris, Hachette, 1875, iv-383 pp., 438 pp.

2 volumes in-12 (190x120 mm), half morocco, spine with raised bands, gilt top (bindings of the period). Bindings very damaged, wear and rubbing on the boards and the spine, front board of volume II damaged, missing on the upper part of the spine of volume II. Foxing scattered

Original edition; well complete with the 3 maps, of which 2 folding (one torn)

Lazarist missionary and naturalist, Armand David relates his journey made between 1872 and 1874, during which he explores several Chinese provinces and conducts scientific observations on fauna, flora and geology.

His account describes the routes taken, the landscapes traversed, the peoples encountered and the conditions of his expeditions. He records numerous zoological and botanical observations, notably on birds, mammals and insects, as well as notes on rock formations and fossils. He also mentions the towns, villages, local practices and Christian communities encountered along the voyage.