1955 GLADYS AYLWARD. Autograph of Important Chinese Missionary.

A charming item; an early pocket, probably 1955, with a fine autograph of Gladys Aylward on the blank ffep both in Chinese and in English. Aylward [1902-1970] was born to a poor family and served as a maid in London. Sensing a call to go to China, she applied with the China Inland Mission, but was ultimately denied. Still sensing the call, she sold everything she owned and purchased a one way ticket to China across the perilous trans-siberian railway. She was detained by the Russians, rescued by the Japanese, etc., before even arriving in China. She and pioneer Chinese missionary founded the Inn of the Eighth Happiness where they would welcome travelers and talk to them about Jesus. Her influence grew and she played an integral part in the final banning of foot-binding for Chinese women, etc. Her life was depicted [albeit, in Hollywood style] by Ingrid Bergman in the Inn of the Sixth Happiness. 

The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments Translated Out of the Original Tongues, etc. London and New York. Collins Clear-Type Press. Nd. c.1950's. 

Original buckram cloth, worn at extremities, split at front hinge, but solid. Shaken at interior front hinge.