The Central Tian-Shan Mountains 1902-1903.
Book Description
First UK edition. 8vo. pp. ix, 294; 20 photo. illusts., one folding coloured map; some occasional foxing, else very good in original cloth, gilt, top edges gilt, the New South Wales Library of Parliament copy with its gilt crest to upper board.
Dealer Notes
Yakushi M325; Neate M85. The Tien Shan mountain chain lies in North West China, north of the Taklamakan Desert on the eastern outskirts of Russian Turkestan. Merzbacher's visit there in 1892 left him with "abiding impressions of its magnificent mountain chains" and he vowed "to contribute somewhat to their exploration" (Introduction). Preliminary exploration had been undertaken by Russians in the 1890s, but Merzbacher's intention was to reach the very highest regions of the chain. With this aim in mind, an expedition was mounted in mid-1902. To negotiate the many difficult mountain climbs ahead, Merzbacher employed the assistance of the Alpinist Hans Pfann and two Tyrolese guides. They were joined also by Hans Keidel, who undertook the geological work. Merzbacher's book, his account of the expedition, is illustrated with some of the first photographic plates of the region.
Author
Merzbacher, Dr. Gottfried.
Date
1905
Binding
Original cloth, gilt
Publisher
London: John Murray
Condition
See description
Pages
ix, 294
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