Trans-Himalaya: Discoveries and Adventures in Tibet [2 Volume Set]

First American Edition, First Printing. Two volumes (complete when published, a supplement was published a few years later). Quite rare thus. Swedish explorer and travel writer Sven Hedin (1865-1952) made four expeditions to Central Asia, studying the topography and geology of the region, as well as both the prehistoric and modern culture. Painstakingly dedicated to his research, Hedin documented his travels thoroughly in numerous published volumes; 'Trans-Himalaya' is an account of Hedin's exploration of Tibet, particularly the Transhimalaya, a 1,600-kilometre long mountain range in China, and the sources of the Indus and Brahmaputra Rivers. Hedin is credited as being the first European to reach the Kailash region, and his discoveries paved the way for major scientific and cultural documentation of the Asian region by European scholars. Profusely illustrated with black & white plates, including photographs and sketches by the author, as well as 10 maps (complete), including 2 large color folding maps at rear of Vol. 2. Very good in original burgundy cloth, decorated and titled in gilt. Some light wear to extremities, especially at spine head of Vol. 2; with some toning to spine. Some cracking to rear pastedown of Vol. 1. Both bindings still square and tight, text clean and bright. Octavos. 6 x 9 in. xxiii + [i], 436 pp. + maps & adverts; xvii + [i], 439 + [1] pp. + folding map & adverts.