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An authentic account of an embassy by Sir George Leonard STAUNTON

Creator: Sir George Leonard STAUNTON
Offered by: Shapero Gallery

Description
STAUNTON, Sir George Leonard.

An authentic account of an embassy
from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China [...] with notices of Tristan d'Acuna, Amsterdam, Java, Sumatra, Cochin-China. Taken chiefly from the papers of His Excellency the Earl of McCartney.

Stock Code 111760
London, W. Bulmer and Co. for G. Nicol, 1797

Current price$16,173.00
the most celebrated and finely illustrated account of the first British embassy to China, which was to lead to the foundation of Hong Kong as a British trading post. It was the failure of this mission to establish direct trade links with China that convinced the British government of the need to set up its own trading post.

Staunton, a medical doctor and friend of Dr. Johnson, accompanied the Lord Macartney as secretary. To write his account, Staunton had access to Macartney's journal and was assisted by John Barrow. Staunton's account is noteworthy for his detailed description of the journey, his examination of Chinese customs (including the binding of women's feet) and the detailed appendix on Chinese trade with Europe and more specifically Britain.

Alexander's plates are of special interest due to their depiction of subjects that very few Europeans had recorded or seen and the indications they gave to the considerable technical, artistic and organizational advancement of the Chinese civilization. The atlas also includes a detailed map of Macao.

The work was hugely successful, fifteen editions were issued in seven countries in thirty years.

Two text volumes 4to (second edition, corrected), and atlas folio (58.5 x 43 cm). Text with 2 engraved portrait frontispieces of Emperor Tchien Lung and the Earl of Macartney and 26 illustrations of which one full-page; atlas with 44 plates, including one folding, most after W. Alexander, and 7 double-page folding maps; occasional light marks and light spotting to text, folio vol. with some foxing and light marginal damp-staining at end; text vols in contemporary half calf, marbled sides, spines gilt in compartments with lettering- and numbering- pieces,rubbing to boards; folio vol. in contemporary half red morocco, paste paper sides, spine gilt in compartments with lettering-pieces, some discolouration and staining tof upper cover, a very good set.

Cordier, Sinica, 2381-83; Hill 1628; Lowendahl 697; Lust 545 & 547.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Period:	18th Century
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	111760
Incollect Reference #:	743033

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