The Folk-Lore of China, and its affinities with that of the Aryan and Semitic races.

First edition. Two full-page illustrations as well as Chinese characters interspersed in the text. 8vo. Original half-calf, rebacked, but generally in very good condition. [viii], [iv], 156, [vii](index)pp. London/Hongkong, Trübner/'China Mail' Office,

Nicholas Belfield Dennys (?1813-1900) joined the Admiralty in 1855 and was appointed student interpreter in Peking in 1863. He later became a journalist and editor of the 'China Mail' and in 1877 he moved to Singapore where he worked as editor of the Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. The present book is a fascinating overview of Chinese folk-lore with a strong focus on superstitious practices and observations. It deals with personal fortunes (lucky and unlucky days, omens, dreams, charms, spells and amulets) the apparitions of ghosts, dragons and other fabulous animals as well as the interpretation of natural phenomena (heaven, moon, sun, stars, tides etc.) and their influence on humans. Throughout the text Dennys draws interesting parallels and comparisons with superstitions in the West. With the binder's label stuck on front board: 'Yuen Sing, Printer, Bookbinder and Stationer, Queen's Road, Hongkong'. Rare. 

Stock Code: 228027