1916 "The Surgeon’s Log" Green Half Leather Book

Written In English 

The Surgeon’s Log: Impressions of the Far East by J. Johnston Abraham is presented here in its ninth edition, published in 1916 by Chapman & Hall, Ltd., London. This places it in the early 20th century, when travel narratives and medical memoirs were popular genres, reflecting the British public’s keen interest in distant lands and the experiences of professionals working abroad.

The book itself is a blend of travel writing and medical observation. Abraham recounts his time as a surgeon journeying through the Far East, interweaving personal anecdotes with broader commentary on the landscapes, cultures, and customs he encounters. These stories offer insight into the medical practices of the period and the daily challenges faced by a British physician in unfamiliar settings. Written during a time of expanding imperial influence, it satisfies the Edwardian-era appetite for adventurous tales and accounts of life beyond Europe’s borders.

Abraham likely composed this work to share both the professional and human elements of his travels. For readers back home, such narratives provided a vicarious look at colonial outposts and the people who inhabited them, satisfying curiosity about the wider world. The medical focus lent an additional dimension, as it highlighted the intersection of Western science with local customs, creating a fascinating record of cross-cultural encounters in the early 1900s.

The historical context is rooted in Britain’s expansive empire, when regions like the Far East were viewed through a mix of intrigue, commercial interest, and cultural bias. Medical practitioners who traveled abroad often published memoirs that shaped popular conceptions of distant societies. Abraham’s perspective—like many of his contemporaries—reflects both genuine curiosity and the prevailing assumptions of the era.

This particular copy stands out for its handsome half-leather binding, with green leather on the spine and corners complemented by matching green cloth boards. The spine bears gilt lettering for the title and author, along with small ornamental motifs, adding a refined touch. Marbled endpapers enhance its visual appeal, suggesting it may have been specially bound or rebound for durability or aesthetics. Within, eight illustrations accompany Abraham’s text, further illuminating the people and places he describes.

In simple terms, The Surgeon’s Log is a revealing snapshot of a traveling surgeon’s life in the Far East during Britain’s imperial zenith. It combines practical medical observations with vivid depictions of foreign locales, making it both an informative and entertaining read. Abraham’s experiences and reflections offer a window into early 20th-century attitudes, all packaged in an attractive binding that collectors and history enthusiasts will appreciate.

Condition:

Regarding condition, this copy appears well-preserved for its age. The leather shows only minor rubbing along edges and corners, while the hinges remain sturdy. Gilt lettering on the spine is still legible and bright, and the marbled endpapers retain their vibrant colors, though there is some age-toning at the edges. Internally, the pages exhibit moderate tanning typical of books from this period, with only occasional foxing. The illustrations are intact and clear, and any minor tears or chips seem confined to the preliminary pages. Overall, it is a solid and appealing example of Abraham’s notable medical-travel narrative.