NAVAL INTELLIGENCE DIVISION. China Proper. ~i~[London: H.M. Stationery Office.] July 1944 - [vol. III: July 1945].
Three vols, 8vo. Original green cloth, spines and front covers lettered in gilt; pp. xvi, 542; vii, 370; xiv, 653, highly illustrated with plates, maps (one large and folding, in rear pocket) and plans; bindings a bit bumped and marked, spines faded, two plates re-inserted, otherwise internally very good; withdrawn duplicate from University Library Durham with according bookplate and stamps.
First edition, a complete set. B. R. 530, 530 and B (Restricted). Geographical Handbook Series.
Probably one of the best-researched books on China during the turbulent period, covering all aspects of the vast country under occupation, with revolutionary movements thriving, civil war and uncertainty of the future. Volume I contains information about physical geography, history and peoples, followed by chapters on modern history and administration in the second volume. Economic geography, ports and communications are illustrated and described in the concluding volume.
China Proper seems to be amongst the rarer Naval Intelligence Division Geographical Handbooks of the Second World War.
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