The River of Golden Sand by William Gill 1883 edition (maps missing)

by William Gill

$142 · Offered by eBay

The River of Golden Sand A journey through China and Eastern Tibet to Burmah is a landmark travelogue published in 1880 by British explorer and military engineer Captain William John Gill. The book documents his harrowing scientific expedition through China, Eastern Tibet, and Burma along the Yangtze River basin. The title itself is a literal translation of the Jinsha River (the upper stretches of the Yangtze River). Key Aspects of the Work The Historical Expedition: Financed by Gill’s personal inheritance, the journey began in Shanghai in 1876. He traveled inland to Chengdu and then scaled the treacherous, little-explored eastern edge of Tibet via Litang, ultimately making his way south to Bhamo in Burma. Scientific and Intelligence Value: As an officer in the Royal Engineers, Gill meticulously mapped the terrain and documented local political, economic, and social structures. His efforts earned him a prestigious gold medal from the Royal Geographical Society in 1879.

• Condition: Fair

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.