John Thomson F. R. G. S. — THROUGH CHINA WITH A CAMERA

Pictorial Hardcover, 22.5 x 18 cm, 284 + 100 photographs pp., English, 1st Edition, Illustrations almost 100 photographs, condition very good This book is a landmark 1898 book by Scottish photographer John Thomson, summarizing his travels across China between 1868 and 1872. It is highly regarded as one of the first major works of social documentary photography. The ""Rough Guide"" of its Time: Unlike academic geography texts, Thomson's book reads like a personal travelogue or ""rough guide,"" featuring anecdotes on culture, trade, and daily life alongside over 100 photographs. Broad Social Scope: Thomson captured a wide variety of subjects, including wealthy mandarins, temples, street gamblers, tea dealers, and even a traveling chiropodist. Vast Geography: He traveled nearly 5,000 miles, covering regions from Hong Kong and Canton (Guangzhou) to Peking (Beijing), the Yangtze River, and Formosa (Taiwan). Sympathetic Observation: Thomson is noted for portraying Chinese people with sensitivity and faithfulness, often showing deep respect for the diligence of ordinary laborers. The Photography Process Wet-Plate Collodion: This was a grueling technical process where glass plates had to be sensitized, exposed, and developed while still wet. Portable Darkroom: Because the plates dried quickly, Thomson had to carry a portable tent and chemicals everywhere, often requiring a team of 8-10 porters to transport his heavy wooden camera and fragile glass negatives. Historical Archive: His original 650 glass negatives are now preserved in the Wellcome Collection in London. A. Constable & Co, Westminster, 1898 Condition: Very Good