The scarce first edition of przhevalsky's third expedition. In the spring of 1879 Przhevalsky embarked on his first Tibetan expedition, which lasted until the late autumn of 1880. Setting off on foot across Dzungaria, the western part of the Nan Shan (Kunlun) system, the eastern Tsaidam, the upper reaches of the Yangtze-T'ien-shui, and a series of mountain ranges to central Tibet. On the return journey the expedition again explored the upper Yangtze-T'ien-shui, the Yellow River, and Lake Kuku Nor, before returning by caravan road across Urga into Kyakhta. Przhevalsky's skilled and original description of the trip confirmed his reputation as one of the most distinguished explorers of Central Asia.

First edition, folio (31.5 x 21.5 cm); [6], iv, ii, 453pp., ii (errata)pp., complete with 108 plates, including 3 folding, and 2 large folding maps, some illustrations in the text, very fresh internally; later blue cloth, red morocco label to spine, a fine example.

Yakushi P296 (note).