Taipei, Taiwan: Published by Shih-Ling Studio, 1945. Volume I. First edition. Presentation copy, inscribed by Madame Chiang Kai-Shek on front free endpaper to American diplomat and politician Ogden Rogers Reid: "To Mr Ogden R. Reid with best wishes Mayling Soong Chiang, 1958." Illustrated with 32 full-page reproductions of Madame Kai-Shek's paintings. Publisher's Chinese-style sewn patterned cloth wrappers, printed paper cover label; in original yellow-ochre cloth chemise, faux bone claps, printed paper cover label, unevenly faded, slightly soiled.

A near-fine and scarce presentation copy. Inscribed to American politician and diplomat, Ogden Rogers Reid (1925-2019). Son of Ogden Mills Reid (1882-1947) and Helen Rogers Reid (1882-1970), from 1955-58 the younger Reid served as editor and publisher of the New York Herald Tribune, and from 1959-61 was the United States Ambassador to Israel, where he worked closely with Golda Meir, then Minister of Foreign Affairs. Following Reid's diplomatic service, he served six-terms as a Congressman from New York, from 1963-75.