Click on image above to enlarge

Author's copy

Bowring, Sir John A Visit to the Philippine Islands. London Smith, Elder & Co. 1859
First edition, 8vo (21.5 x 14.5 cm), pp.[viii], 434, [4, music], 8 plates, illustrations. Bound in contemporary calf, gilt, spine rubbed. Gilt monogram of W. Lee to upper board. Some plates rather foxed, offsetting onto title and text. Armorial bookplate of John Bowring. Presentation inscription to Sir Edward D Scott from W.N. Lee, "a prize for industry", Easter 1867, Brighton.

Sir John Bowring (1792–1872) was an English politician, economist, traveller, writer, and the fourth Governor of Hong Kong from 1854. In 1855 he negotiated a treaty with King Mongkut of Siam. His visit to the Philippines was brief; his book is particularly strong on commerce and finance.