Staunton, Sir George Leonard (1737-1801).

2 text volumes and atlas, together 3 volumes, 4to (321 x 252mm.) and folio (600 x 441mm.), [2], xxxiv, 518; xx, 626pp., illustration: 2 engraved frontispieces, one engraved plate and 26 engraved tail-pieces in text volumes, 44 engraved plates and maps (some folding) in atlas, binding: contemporary diced russia gilt, spines gilt in compartments (text volumes) and contemporary paper-backed blue boards (atlas), title-page and a few preliminary leaves of volume 2 browned, occasional light spotting in text volumes, spine of atlas volume defective 

Cordier, Sinica 2382; Lust 545; Borba de Moraes, p. 837; cf.Sabin 90843 (1799 Philadelphia edition)

first edition, of this original and authentic account of an important embassy to China. Sir George Staunton (1737-1801) was a diplomat, physician and friend of Dr. Johnson and Edmund Burke. He travelled extensively, including to the West Indies, where he practised medicine. In 1792 the British government sent its first embassy to China, headed by Lord Macartney and Staunton was appointed secretary to the embassy. The voyage went via Brazil and there is an extensive description of Rio de Janeiro. The work also provides a fascinating insight into Chinese life at the end of the eighteenth century.