[ASIE] Three books THOMSON John The Empire of China. First voyages, first images (1868-1872) Albin Michel, 1990. In-4 hardback (22.5 x 28.5), 143 p., introduction by Chantal Edl, translated and introduced by H. Vattemare, numerous photos, dust jacket, very good condition. In the 1860s, during the Opium Wars and the sack of the Summer Palace, China gradually emerged from the isolation it had enjoyed since the expulsion of the Jesuits in the early 18th century. This was a godsend for English photographer John Thomson, who had long been fascinated by the Chinese living all over Southeast Asia, and dreamed of getting to know them at home. For several years, accompanied by eight to ten porters laden with enormous equipment over some eight thousand kilometers, he criss-crossed the vast Middle Kingdom, even to its most remote regions, where no European had ever ventured. Also included: FALCONER (John) India: Pioneering Photographers 1850-1900 The British Library, 2002. In 4°. Paperback. 142 pages. Numerous photographic illustrations. Also included: POSTEL (Philippe) : Victor Ségalen et la statuaire chinoise. Archéologie et Poétique. Paris. Honoré Champion, 2001. In 8°. Publisher's hardback binding. 329 pages.