A fine set of the deluxe edition of a Himalayan classic, complete with all four volumes.

Conway (1856–1937) developed a taste for mountaineering at Cambridge, and became a member of the Alpine Club in 1877. He was also a bibliophile, being especially interested in early printed books and woodcuts. In 1885, he became Roscoe professor of art at University College, Liverpool.

This was the first major attempt to explore the Karakoram. The expedition ascended the Hispar Glacier, then climbed up and down the Biafo and the Baltoro and achieved a height record. A remarkable achievement.

Unfortunately most of the photographic plates which were to be used to illustrate the book were lost. This limited edition is extremely rare as only 125 copies were for sale (cf. Neate) and it contains duplicate proofs of many of the illustrations. The scarce supplementary volumes of scientific reports and maps are also both present which is highly unusual. This set is complete with all maps and plates present. Yakushi mentions 5 maps in the separate volume but this is an error. There were only three maps published.

First edition. 4 volumes 8vo, one of 150 deluxe sets signed by the author on the limitation page; half-titles, photogravure portrait, 300 plates and illustrations by A.D. McCormick, the plates in 2 states (one printed on India paper mounted), with tissue title guards printed in gold, 3 large linen-backed folding maps in portfolio (2 colour-printed, and one route map); original tan buckram, morocco lettering pieces, couple of tiny chips to labels, spines slightly darkened, the text clean and crisp, a fine set.

Neate C103; Yakushi C336a, erroneously calling for 5 maps.