Hardcover. Illustrated laminated glossy boards, the upper with Lodge leader in ceremonial dress, bearing Lodge flag and sword. xix + 306pp, appendix, minor wear head of spine. No dustjacket as issued, as new. 12 colour plates, many B and W. Bright and clean throughout. Fine cond. This fascinating and well-researched book describes the growth, degeneration, history and organisation of the triad societies in Hong Kong, where it was believed one in six adults was a member of an essentialy criminal society. The author discusses the Chinese historical background, the Triad traditional history, a hundred years of Triad Societies in Hong Kong, internal organisation of Triad Societies in Hong Kong, a Triad Lodge and paraphernalia, 2nd Lodge Ceremonial Dress and Secret Signs, a 2nd Lodge Initiation ceremony, a 2nd Lodge Promotion Ceremony, 'Burning the Yellow Paper', Anglo-Chinese Glossary, Principal Triad Societies in Hong Kong, 1946 - 1958 The book was compiled in 1958 by a sub-Inspector of then Hong Kong Police Force. It gives exhaustive detail of the Lodges, plan and paraphenalia; Rituals, initiation and promotion ceremonies; Hand and body gestures; a useful Anglo-Chinese glossary; Details of main Societies known to be active at end 1958.
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