The Red Pavilion. A Chinese Detective Story - Inscribed - Robert H. Van Gulik 1961 - Art Printing Works, Kuala Lumpur - First Edition A bright sharp copy of this rare first edition, with hand-written dedication by Van Gulik, dated February 1962.

One of three Judge Dee titles first published in Kuala Lumpur, whilst Van Gulik was stationed there as Dutch Ambassador to the federation of Malaya. The tenth book in the Judge Dee series, and chronologically fourteenth tale, being set in China 670 AD.

With six illustrations from woodblock prints, and endpapers illustrated with a
Sketch Map of Paradise Island, in Chinese style by Van Gulik.
  Dr. Robert Hans Van Gulik (1910-67) got his Ph.D. in Oriental languages at the age of 24, knew fluently about fifteen languages, produced a vast body of sometimes groundbreaking scholarly works on (mainly) Chinese culture, achieved a high proficiency in Chinese calligraphy and in playing the Chinese lute, very much like a mandarin of old times. His collection of Chinese artefacts and rare books merited a specific sale at Christie’s in 1983. Whilst doing all this he rose to become Netherlands ambassador to Japan before retiring, with his pet gibbon.

One of 2,000 copies. Later published in London in 1964 and New York in 1968.

(book size 18.3 x 12.7 cm), pp. [8] 200. Pagination does not include endpapers. In publisher’s wrappers, spine in black and lettered in white, front panel in black, illustrated in white, and lettered in red and white, rear panel white lettered in black.
  Condition: Near fine, light rubbing to head of spine slightly more so to tail, very faint toning to rear panel.   Ref: 111038   Price: HK$ 15,000