Twilight in the Forbidden City, Reginald F. Johnston, Oxford University Press, 1985

First published in 1934, Reginald F. Johnston's Twilight in the Forbidden City is the classic insider’s account of life in the Chinese imperial court during its final years. Johnston, a Scottish scholar and colonial official, served as tutor to the last emperor, Puyi, and his memoir offers a unique, first-hand perspective on court ceremony, political intrigue, and the turbulent transition from the Qing dynasty to the Republic. This 1985 Oxford University Press edition reproduces the complete text of the original Victor Gollancz printing, including the Preface by the Emperor, and is introduced by Pamela Atwell, who places Johnston’s work in its wider historical context. Illustrated with plates and fold-out maps, it remains a vivid and invaluable primary source on early 20th-century China.

Twilight in the Forbidden City, by Reginald F. Johnston. With an Introduction by Pamela Atwell.

Published by Oxford University Press, Hong Kong, Oxford, New York, Melbourne, 1985. Printed in Hong Kong. First edition, thus. 

A very good cream cloth hardback with gilt titles to spine, in its original fully intact printed dustjacket. The jacket is now housed in removable, protective clear protective plastic. Both jacket and covers with some mild sunning and light wear. Soundly bound. 

Text is in lovely condition - bright and clean throughout, with all plates as called for, including the attractive fold-outs. Top edge of text block with some light spotting. Includes a loosely inserted related newspaper article.

Text in English (with some Chinese to Plates).

486pp + Plates (including 4 fold-outs)

Dimensions: approximately 223mm high x 154mm wide x 51mm deep.

Weight approximately 882g (unpacked).