Tibet

'Report My Signals' (hereafter RMS) was well received on its publication in 1948, a second impression appearing in the same year. The book's dustwrapper blurb describes the contents as 'the war memoirs of a Signals officer who served for three years with the Fifth Indian Division. He was with this illustrious formation from August 1942 (near El Alamein) until the recapture of Rangoon. | The author writes frankly and sincerely of his experiences with Indian soldiers, for whom he expresses affection and admiration.

A feature of Brett-James's well-received war memoir 'Report My Signals' (1948) was the fifteen reproductions of his pencil drawings of Indian men who served under him. None of the portraits present here feature in that book or have been reproduced elsewhere, but those published in the book give an excellent idea of Brett-James's skill at conveying character in well-executed pencil sketches. The nineteen drawings in this collection are all in good condition, on aged paper, with occasional light creasing. Eleven are in 8vo, and eight in 12mo.

Both items in very good condition, on lightly-aged paper, each with slight trace of paper label at spine. Letter One: 3 pp, 12mo. Docketed at head of first page '1 Dec/88.' and 'The Explorer of Thibet [sic]'. He thanks him 'for the Card of the St Botolph Club' and will try to go there the following day. He has 'so many things to do' that he is not sure he will be able to stay there long. Letter Two: 4 pp, 12mo. Docketed beneath address '6 January 89.', and beneath signature 'The traveller in Thibet [sic]'. Thanking him for the 'note and cheque', and hoping that the sketch arrived safely.

Vice-President of the Royal Asiatic Society, etc. (significant in Ceylon) (1775-1849). "Mr Vigne {traveller, incl. Tibet] who has just returned from a seven year tour which he has made through Thibet Cachmere (sic) Cabul & Candahar . . ." has given Lady Johnston (his wife) permission to see his drawings at the Asiatic Society. He also is going and invites his correspondent and Mrs Stanhope to join them.

Journalist (1844-1914) and editor of the Pall Mall Gazette. The recipient was a British diplomat in Asia and travel writer. Good, but a tad grubby with rust marks from paperclip. 'You may do us 1600 words on Tibet and in preparing the mss put it in a form that will bear reduction'. Signature 'Douglas Straight' slightly smudged (with Straight's fingerprint?)

Scottish archaeologist and traveller in Tibet (1854-1938). One page, 8vo, accepting an invitation to visit and meet “Mr. Dresser”.