A scarce booklet of common Chinese proverbs and sayings to help with ingratiate English speakers with Chinese speaking officials. "I must say that I have often seen a Chinese official's face light up at the timely utterance of a well-known proverb". A fascinating record of the common phrases used in Shanghai and China at the turn of the century.

Hermann Dawson-Gröne (1878-r.1935) joined the Customs Service in 1902 where he served in Tianjin in various capacities including Acting Commissioner and in Peking as Acting Assistant Chinese Secretary. After 1911 he served at Shanghai, Harbin, Shasi (twice), Swatow, Samshui, Ichang, Newchwang, Chinkiang, and Hangchow. He was appointed Deputy Commissioner on 1 April 1921 and Commissioner on 1 March 1927. He retired from the Service on 15 October 1935. His reserve of Chinese proverbs evidently stood him in good stead.

In 32 libraries worldwide but not in any UK libraries or institutions. Not in BL.

First edition; 8vo (19.5 x 13.5 cm); original green cloth-backed boards printed in red and blue, light wear, a very good copy; [iv], 43 pp.