Almer, Christian.

first edition, limited edition, number 130 of 200 copies, 8vo (192 x 124mm.), photogravure portrait frontispiece, illustrations in the text, original cloth, spine darkened, binding a bit rubbed

R. Warden Harvey, ownership inscription

Nikolaos Tombazis (1894–1986), travelled to India as an administrator with the textiles company Ralli Brothers. While on leave from his post, Tombazis pursued twin interests of photography and mountaineering in three excursions to the Himalayas. During the last of these, in 1925, he was famously taken to be the first European to sight the yeti: "unquestionably, the figure in outline was exactly like a human being, walking upright and stopping occasionally to uproot or pull at some dwarf rhododendron bushes". Tombazis himself pondered whether the abominable snowman was in fact a lone Buddhist ascetic. His account of this expedition is related in his book Account of a Photographic Expedition to the Southern Glaciers of Kangchenjunga in the Sikkim Himalaya, 1925, itself a highly collectable work. Each volume from his library carries his distinctive bookplate. (See also lots 220 and 224)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Christian Almer (1826-1898) was one of the legendary Alpine guides from the golden age of mountaineering. He was the first to ascend the Eiger, among many other peaks.