ASIAN SUBJECTS SIGNED BOOKSGroup of seven signed and inscribed books, all dealing with various Asian subjects, includes: "The Awakening of Faith", by the Patriarch Ashvagosha (translated by Rev. Timothy Richard), ( Shanghai: Christian Literature Society), 1907, 98pp. 8vo., a fundamental text of the Mahayana branch of Buddhism, the primary form of that religion practiced in China and Japan. The volume contains the translation and the original text in Chinese and a forward by the translator, and is inscribed by the author on the front flyleaf: "Mr. John B. Sleman, from The Author, Shanghai, April 20, 1907". Bound in yellow cloth boards. Slight damage to the lower left corner of the back cover, else very good. WITH: "The Power of Karma in Relation to Destiny", by Alexander Cannon (New York: E.P. Dutton & Co.), 1937, 176pp. 8vo., a primer on various Eastern mystical concepts, including karma, reincarnation, yoga, and spiritual healing. Boldly signed by the author on the front flyleaf in blue ink, with the inscription: "The word is greater than the sword." Very good. WITH: "The Gilds of China", by Hosea Ballou Morse (London: Longmans, Green and Co.), 1909, 92pp., 8vo., an examination of the merchant guilds in China, with a special focus on the "Co-Hong", or guild merchant, of Canton. Inscribed on the front flyleaf: "W. Cartwright, Esq. With the sincere regard of H.B. Morse". Morse was a Statistical secretary in the Inspectorate General of Customs in China. Bound in blue cloth boards. Very good. WITH: "The San-Tsze-King", translated by Rev. S.C. Malan (London: David Nutt), 1856, 77pp., 8vo., containing three versions of a primer for Chinese schoolchildren, the final version being that written by rebel leader Tae-Ping-Wang. Bound in yellow cloth boards with the title in gilt, and bearing the inscription: "Paulet N. Compton, Feby. 16 1856. From the Author" in black ink on the front flyleaf. Boards slightly soiled, else very good. WITH: "Letters from the Far East", by De Lancey Floyd-Jones (New York: Public Service Publishing Co.), 1887, 277pp., 8vo., an account by a U.S. Army Colonel, detailing his travels in England, India, China, and Japan. Bound in red cloth boards, with an image of a steamer and a port boat in gilt on the front cover, inscribed: "With kind regards of the Author" on the front flyleaf. Some loose pages, else very good. WITH: "An Indiscreet Chronicle from the Pacific", by Putnam Weale (New York: Dodd, Mead and Company), 1922, 310pp., 8vo., an examination of the political situation in Asia in the early 1920's, especially the increasing rivalry between China and Japan. Bound in red cloth boards and inscribed in black ink on the front flyleaf: "To Aliss Donnell Dunbar Avirett, with the regards of the author & his hope that she will remain in Peking, Putnam Weale, Peking, 19 Dec. 1922". Very good. WITH: "Tomb Tile Pictures of Ancient China", by William Charles White (Toronto: The University of Toronto Press), 1939, 69pp. with 127 plates of illustrations, 4to., an examination of common visual motifs and figures found in the decorations of ancient Chinese funerary tombs, including birds, animals, weapons, and human figures. Bound in black cloth boards with gilt title and decorations, and signed by the author on the half-title page in black ink. Fine. Seven pieces.
