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Author: Staunton, Sir George [Leonard]
Title: An Authentic Account of an Embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China...
Place Published: London
Publisher:Printed by W. Bulmer for G. Nicol
Date Published: 1797
Description:

2 volumes only (atlas not present). [2], xxxiv, 518; xx, 626 pp. Illustrated with two engraved frontispiece portraits, one engraved plate, and 25 engravings in the text after drawings by W. Alexander. (4to) 29x22.5 cm (11½x9"), half morocco and green boards, raised bands on spine, gilt spine lettering, marbled edges and endpapers. First Edition.

Staunton (1737-1801) was a life-long diplomatist who joined Lord Macartney on his mission to China in 1792. The Chinese would rebuff this mission's attempt at establishing trade and diplomatic relations with Britain. However, "[Macartney's] visit was not in vain...for it gave us a most interesting account of Chinese manners and customs at the close of the eighteenth century. The account of this famous embassy was prepared at government expense. Apart from its Chinese importance, it is of considerable interest, owing to the descriptions of the various places en route which were visited. The atlas volume is quite important." (Hill). Hill, p. 280-281; New Hill 1628

Wear and rubbing to leather and boards; hinges cracked, toning to endpapers, scattered light foxing; very good.