Sir Percy Sykes — The Quest for Cathay

London, A. & C. Black, Ltd. 1936. First edition. Cloth. A first edition of this illustrated work discussing European exploration of China in the Middle Ages. First edition. Illustrated with a colour frontispiece, sixteen plates, and nine maps, four of which are folding. Collated complete. A fascinating academic work discussing the discovery of Cathay in the Middle Ages - Cathay is a historical name that Europe used for China, before it was discovered that Cathay and China were the same place. With details of early European explorers, including Marco Polo, John de Plano Carpini, and William de Rubruquis. Written by Brigadier-General Sir Percy Molesworth Sykes, a British soldier, diplomat, and scholar with a considerable literary output. He was best known for his historical, geographical, and biographical works. In the original red cloth binding. Externally, with light shelf wear and staining to the front edge of the boards. Fading to the spine and extremities. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very bright and clean throughout. Previous owner's bookplate to the front pastedown. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good .