8vo. xiii, [2], 384pp. With 16 plates and 150 illustrations in the text. Original publisher's red cloth, lettered in gilt. A trifle rubbed and marked spine sunned and a trifle cocked. Half-title lightly foxed, otherwise bright throughout.

Major Richard William George Hingston (1887-1966) was an Irish physician, explorer and naturalist, who travelled and wrote extensively throughout his military career. As a naturalist, one of his discoveries (a species of jumping spider Euophrys omnisuperstes) remains a contender for 'animal with the highest permanent habitat on earth'.

Hingston joined the Indian Medical Service on graduation from the National University of Ireland, remaining with them throughout much of his career, including both world wars. On one of many secondments, he served as the expedition doctor on the famed 1924 British Mount Everest Expedition.