LINDLEY, Augustus F. - Lot 253

LINDLEY, Augustus F. Ti-ping tien-kwoh: the history of the Ti-Ping Revolution. London, Day & Son, 1866. 2 large in-8 volumes. Publisher's illustrated garnet percale, title and illustration on spine, figure on upper boards, all gilt (defects to spines and headpieces). First edition of this text on the Taiping revolt (1850-1864), which spread throughout southern China and led to the deaths of some 20 million people. Historical and anti-imperialist work on China, illustrated with 21 chromolithographs and woodcut figures in the text. A Royal Navy officer, Augustus Frederick Lindley (1840-1873) supported the rebels by fighting alongside them in this revolt against the Qing. social, commercial and religious reforms. The rebellion for social, commercial and religious reform was crushed with the help of British and French forces. The second volume focuses on the actions and personality of General Charles Gordon, whose troops were responsible for numerous atrocities, and details the consequences of the British government's policy.