Exhibited in a Geographical Description on its Antiquity, and a Genuine and Copius Account of the Earl Macartney’s Embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China.

Cawthrone, G. — Editor

London: printed and published by G. Cawthorn, 1798. First Edition. 8vo – 21.3 cm. (8), lxxii, 224, 275- 456, (2) pp. – irregular pagination. With Half-Title, Engraved frontispiece of His Imperial Majesty, Kien Long, Emperor of China, and the last leaf with advertisement. Period style brown half-calf and marbled boards with bright gilt spine title and decoration; interior complete and in Near Fine condition.

A Rare account from the “journal kept by …, a servant of the Ambassador” (Cox I p.345). A surreptitious account of the important first British embassy to China which laid the foundation for future diplomatic relations between the two countries in the 19th century — a cornerstone work.

Great Britain was anxious to establish formal diplomatic relations with China and open the way for unimpeded trade relations. But the veil of Chinese reserve and self-sufficiency, which for centuries seldom admitted penetration, still hung over the empire, and effectually resisted Lord Macartney’s arguments and gifts. His visit was not in vain however, for provided a most interesting account of Chinese manners and customs at the end of the eighteenth century. An accurate account of the British embassy headed by Earl Macartney to China during the years 1792-94. Cordier BS 2392. Löwendahl 701.

$1250.00 -