The New Conquest of Central Asia: A Narrative of the Explorations of the Central Asiatic Expeditions in Mongolia and China, 1921-1930. Signed Presentation Copies of 2 Related Issues of Natural History Magazine by Andrews, Roy Chapman with James Hurley and Rev. A.F.C. Read - 1932

New York: American Museum of Natural History, 1932. Book. Fine. Hardcover. Volume I, Natural History of Central Asia series edited by Chester A. Reeds, Ph.D. First Edition. [50], 678 pp, 128 plates, 12 text figures, 3 maps, Preface, Scientific and Technical Staff, List of Figures, List of Plates, Part I--Exploration in Mongolia; Part II--Explorations in China; Part III--Summary Statements by Chester A. Reeds and various other authors; Part IV--Appendices including Index. 4to/28.5cm. Orange cloth, black titling, in protected orangle and black dj with two inch closed tear top of front panel and tiny chip head of front joint, internally fine. NF/G+. Roy Chapman Andrews (1886-1960) was an American explorer, adventurer and naturalist who became Director of the American Museum of Natural History. He conducted five expeditions to China and Mongolia from 1921 to 1930 on an unprecedented scale and secured observations, records, measurements, photographs and collections which constituted materials for the twelve planned scientific volumes which were to follow this general introductory work. The discovery of dinosaur eggs which had been little known of previously excited much public interest at the time. Schwarz: Bibliotheca Mongolica 2288. Presentation inscription on ffep dated April 17, 1961 to, "Mr. James Hurley/Compliments of the editors of Natural History Magazine,/[sd] John Purcell". John Purcell was Chief Editor of Natural History Magazine published by the Museum and the volume was presented to Hurley in connection with his then recent authorship of a large article on Central Asia. written for the Natural History Magazine. Accompanying the volume are two complete original issues of Natural History Magazine in which the article appeared: Volume LXX, No 8 (October 1961)and Volume LXX, No 9 (November 1961). The October issue contains a cover picture in color by Hurley of a scene near Khapalu, Baltistan and the first part of the 2-part aritcle by him entitled, The People of Baltistan: A Transitional Culture of Central Asia. The November issue contains the second part of that article subtitled, "Agriculture, herding and dairy farming form the basis of the Balti economy.", which is co-authored by the Rev. A.F.C. Reed (ca. 1902-1973?) , formerly of the Central Asian Mission and author of Balti Grammar (London: Royal Asiatic Society, 1934) giving some recollections of the ten years he spent in Baltistan in the 1920s and thirties. The author, James Hurley (1928- ) who wrote the main part of the article and provided the photographs based on his several trips to Baltistan, Kashmir as well as to both Pakistan and Indian administered Kashmir, between 1956 and 1960. Other than a little surface soil and a small edge abrasion on the cover of the October issue and a corner crease on the November issue cover, both issues are in very good condition. A rather unique presentation set of publications published by the American Museum of Natural History concerning both ends of the wide area known as Central Asia. James Hurley will sign one or both of the Natural History articles with specific presentation comments, if requested and appropriate..