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This is a rare, mid-century copy of India, Pakistan, Ceylon by Alexander McG. Russell, M.A. Published by the renowned educational house Oliver and Boyd Limited, this volume is part of their historic "One Approach Geography—History Series" overseen by general editor Sam Stewart.
First published in 1953, this specific copy is a 1958 Second Impression. It was originally designed as a comprehensive textbook for British school children, combining human geography with social history to paint a vivid picture of the Indian sub-continent during the immediate post-partition era. It includes incredible graphic illustrated endpaper maps ("Natural Produce" and "Industry, Mining & Commerce"), vintage black-and-white photographs of daily life, text diagrams, and schoolroom exercise tables.
🏫 Unique Post-War British Provenance
This copy features a fantastic layer of social history. On page 75, there is a clear, vintage purple ink ownership stamp reading: "ARMSTRONG SECONDARY MODERN GIRLS SCHOOL" (a historic, now-defunct school located in Grimsby). This adds a wonderful, nostalgic charm for collectors of regional British history, educational ephemera, or mid-century textbooks.
Author: Alexander McG. Russell, M.A.- Publisher: Oliver and Boyd Ltd (Edinburgh / London)
- Publication Date: 1958 (Second Impression / First Published 1953)
- Binding: Softcover / Flexible cloth-backed card covers
- Pages: 87 pages plus illustrated endpapers
- Notable Content: Chapters on post-partition geopolitics, Nehru and Gandhi, the caste system, industrialization history (featuring Tata's network), monsoon studies, and gorgeous post-colonial map graphics.
Condition Report
Please view the high-resolution photos for the exact condition of this vintage book:
- Cover & Spine: Pre-owned, vintage condition. Shows clear signs of authentic shelf wear, edge fraying, and aging. The cloth backing on the spine shows rubbing, minor chipping at the top/bottom tips, and natural toning.
- Pages & Binding: The internal binding remains secure and fully intact. Pages are clean with minimal foxing and natural age-toning.
- Markings & Inscriptions: Features a vintage school child's name ("Jacqueline Wilson 3A") neatly handwritten in pencil on the front inside flyleaf, and the historic Grimsby school ink stamp on page 75. No other major internal scribbles, highlighting, or heavy modern ink marks.
Will be carefully packaged with thick cardboard backing inside a weather-sealed mailer to protect the vintage covers and preserve its condition during transit.