Medhurst, Walter Henry

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 8vo (204 x 125mm.), lithographed throughout, contemporary calf by De Souza & Co. of Hong Kong (with printed label on front paste-down in volume 2), both titles cut, remargined and laid down, one cover detached, others crudely held by tape, slightly worn

Chinese red seal stamp to titles

Cordier, Sinica 1597; Löwendahl 975; Lust 1050

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."

RARE. Medhurst's impressive Chinese dictionary, comprising almost 1500 pages was "designed to comprise, within as small a compass as possible, all the characters, with a few exceptions, in the Imperial dictionary Kangxi zidian" (Löwendahl). A second edition, published in Shanghai, was printed at the Mission Press in 1847-8.
The book was printed on a 'lithographic press' at the Protestant mission at Batavia.