A Guide To Rock Climbing In Hong Kong. Reeve, D. C.

First edition, first printing, scarce presentation copy, inscribed on the half-title "To Paul with best wishes D. C. Reeve". This valuable guide by the former head of the RAF Mountain Rescue Team details 400 climbs, many concerning Kowloon Peak. According to the author's research, rock climbing began in earnest in Hong Kong after the Second World War. By the mid-1960s, the author was one of the colony's most experienced climbers, although the pursuit was never without its dangers: "it should be noted that not all our climbing was without incident. On occasions, tree routes unexpectedly tore loose, seemingly firm rock sometimes gave way and hornets often attacked at will" (p. 15). A foreword is provided by Justice W. A. Blair-Kerr, the president of the Hong Kong Mountaineering Club and an experienced civil servant. Octavo. Original illustrated boards, spine and front cover lettered in black, photographic endpapers. Illustrations (some colour) in text. Light tidemarks on boards, extremities rubbed, contents clean. A very good copy.