Across Mongolian Plains A Naturalist's Account of China's 'Great Northwest'

A naturalist’s vivid travelogue, this work follows a year‑long journey across Mongolia and North China at the close of the First World War. Written in a conversational, sportsman’s voice, it blends keen observations of the region’s rugged landscape with encounters with the wild mammals that populate it, from the towering elk of the steppe to elusive carnivores rarely seen by outsiders. The author’s dedication to scientific preservation shines through, as he laments the rapid loss of habitat and the urgent need for museums to document these species before they disappear.

The narrative is enriched by striking photographs taken by the explorer’s wife, offering a visual companion to the descriptive prose. While avoiding dense technical jargon, the book paints a picture of a land in transition, where traditional hunting traditions intersect with modern threats. Readers gain a sense of the adventure, the challenges of remote fieldwork, and a heartfelt appreciation for the natural world of China’s “Great Northwest.