A Many-Splendored Thing

**A Many-Splendored Thing** by Han Suyin is a captivating memoir published in 1952 by Little, Brown and Company. This hardcover edition offers a poignant exploration of love and cultural conflict set against the backdrop of post-war Hong Kong. The narrative follows Han Suyin, a Eurasian doctor, as she navigates the complexities of a forbidden romance with Mark Elliott, an English correspondent. Their love story unfolds amidst the political and social upheaval of the time, providing a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals caught between different worlds. The book's dust jacket, designed by Miriam Woods, features a striking abstract design with vibrant colours, though it shows signs of wear typical of its age. The pages are slightly yellowed, with some foxing evident on the edges, adding to its vintage charm. Han Suyin's writing is both lyrical and insightful, offering readers a deeply personal account of her experiences and the broader historical context. This memoir is not only a testament to a remarkable love story but also a valuable document of a turbulent period in Asian history. A must-read for those interested in biographies, memoirs, and literary criticism.

Published 1952

This vintage book shows signs of being well-read, with a slightly loose binding that suggests frequent use. The front cover exhibits slight foxing and has noticeable wear, including tears and frayed edges. The back cover is similarly affected, with slight foxing, tears, frayed edges, and additional blemishes such as sticker or tape shadows and stains. The spine of the book has slight foxing and a tear at the bottom, along with some fading, indicating exposure to light over time. The edges of the book show moderate tanning, with the top edge also having slight foxing and spots of mold. The fore and bottom edges have some tanning and slight to moderate foxing, respectively, with additional mold spots present. Inside, the covers and endpapers have some foxing, and there is scribbled writing in pencil on the inside of the cover. The pages of the book have slight foxing on certain pages, and there are slight annotations scattered throughout, suggesting previous ownership and use. Overall, this book carries the character and wear of a well-loved and frequently referenced volume.