HONG

15 + [1]pp., 8vo. In grey printed card wraps. In fair condition, lightly aged, with rusted staples. The author describes his work in an introductory note as 'an elegant and ingenious poem in heroic verse; suggested by the third Satire of Juvenal; wherein the foolishness of the institutions of this University, and the dullness and dishonesty of its inhabitants are for the first time properly exposed'. The influence of Samuel Johnson (another adapter of Juvenal and also an Oxford man) is strong, as the opening indicates: 'Though on my brow there rose an angry frown | When B - ll - l's [i.e.

1p., landscape 12mo (16 x 20.5 cm). Addressed on reverse 'To | John Bowring Esqre | 6 Freeman's Court | Cornhill'. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded into a packet for hand-delivery. Written in a crabbed, difficult hand. Begins: 'Tomorrow I will send you a copy of my Character [clearly 'The Life and Character of the Duke of Wellington', which is however generally ascribed to his namesake the Earl of Ellesmere], which you will see <?> Blaquiere <?> is just now in demand. Also a work which i can only lend him. <?> The Fragment ought [last word underlined three times] to be sent'.

1p., 12mo (13.5 x 11 cm). In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper, with slight show-through of note on reverse. Reads: 'I will have the honor of calling on your Lordship with Mr Thurburn in South Street to morrow at about 1 o C | Ever yours truly | John Bowring'. Beneath this, in another hand, in pencil: 'now in China | 1858'.

17 + [2]pp., foolscap 8vo. Stapled. Duplicated typescript on pink paper. In good condition, lightly aged and worn, with punch hole at top margin. Divided into two main sections: 'Interrogations' (pp.1-11) and 'Taking statements from accused persons' (pp.12-17). Each of the two sections is subdivided, the first into 32 numbered paragraphs, and the second into 22. Headings include: Recording; "Comfort and Refreshment"; "Interrogation of Foreigners"; Charge Procedure; Persons who cannot read etc.

24pp., 12mo. In printed red card wraps. Title and badge of the Hong Kong Chinese Training Unit on cover, and 7pp. of advertisements (including 'San Miguel The Finest Beer in Hong Kong'; Watson's, 'The Leading Soft Drink Specialists in Hong Kong'; Tai Wo Leather Ware) on boards and pp.2 and 22-24. Part I of text (pp.3-16) is titled 'Tommy Atkins in Hong Kong'. The section begins: 'Many years ago it was said that Britain's finest ambassadors were her soldiers abroad. This still remains true, although unfortunately occasional incidents caused by misunderstanding have sometimes given it the lie.

3pp., 8vo. Two pages of text and a full-page map of Burma. The text begins: 'The insurgents in Burma, some 24,000 strong, are variously motivated by ideology, ethnic aspirations or prospects of profits from smuggling and dacoity.' From the private papers of C. A. A. Nicol, who joined the Malayan Union Police Force in 1950, and served in the Royal Malaysian Police between 1957 and 1967, 'to assist in promoting and consolidating the successful transition to full independence.

Mimeographed, ab;133pp., printed wraps, stapled (sl. rusty), good condition. The words "Central Intelligence Agency" with an address have been excised in blue ink but the CIA stamp remains on the front cover. This copy belonged to "SR Section" whatever that means. Found in the personal papers of C.A.A. Nicol who, in 1960, was Head of Perak State Special Branch, and was later to work for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (and MoD) in Hong Kong where he studied "political and economic developments in China.".

All three items in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Letter One: 1p., 4to. Having been told by 'General Evans' that Brett-James has 'kindly agreed to criticise the manuscript of a book I have just completed' he is enclosing it (the manuscript is not present). 'If you could possibly let me have it back by next Saturday, 14th, I should appreciate it, as on 15th. I am going to Mexico, & the mails with that country are not very good.' He is also enclosing a cheque for three guineas, 'which, I believe, is what you said'. Letter Two: 1p., landscape 12mo.

One page, 12mo, faint marking and slightly grubby, text clear and complete. "I will be at No 10 Downing Street at 2. pm. on Tuesday, as kindly appointed by Mr. Balfour. I sent you the Slavery Memo this afternoon." Online biographies (Wikipedia and DNB) mention his activities indicating that he was anti-slavery (in the main!), but don't mention activity resulting in a Memo. According to the DNB disappointments in England drove him back to Africa in 1895. Perhaps this was it.

12mo, 1 p. Clear and complete. Good, on lightly-aged paper. In a bifolium, with thin strip of archival tape along edge of reverse of second leaf from previous mounting. He is enclosing 'W Roberts' letter & the answer' (neither present), and asks for a duplicate to be made of the latter item and 'sent forward'. Complains of 'a sad irregularity of Messrs Forbes & Co', asking if the matter has been set straight.

Linguist, writer and traveller (1792-1872). One page, octavo. Lightly creased and with a few closed tears. Reverse adhering to page from autograph album. Reads 'My dear Sir | Herewith the promised letters - | Yours most truly | John Bowring'. Docketed on reverse.

8vo. 42 pages, in original grey printed wraps. Grubby, and with staining to front wrap and first leaf. On verso of front wrap: '(With the Author's Compliments).