Through Deserts and Oases of Central Asia.

signed by both authors

A lovely copy of this scarce account of Chinese Turkestan, signed by both authors.

The work retells nine months spent in Chinese Turkestan and the Pamirs in 1915 when Sir Percy Sykes was acting Consul-General in Kashgar (Kashi). Part I, written by Ella Sykes, gives an account of the journey while part II, written by her brother Sir Percy, deals with the geography, history, and customs of the region.

Ella Sykes (d.1939) was a prominent member of the Central Asian Society, Secretary of the Royal Asiatic Society and formidable traveller who accompanied her brother to his consulate postings in Central Asia. She was allegedly the first European woman to make the overland trip, the second to visit Khotan, and her account is the first women's account of life at Kashgar.

First edition; 8vo (22.5 x 15 cm); signed by both authors to front free endpaper, 44 photographic plates including frontispiece, 2 maps, 1 of which folding in rear pocket at end, errata slip; publisher's original black cloth, Chinese calligraphy on red panel to upper cover, light wear, spine a touch faded, a very good copy; xii, 340pp.

Ghani p.362; Robinson p.59; Yakushi S398.