Lot 213
  • 213

ELLIS. JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LATE EMBASSY TO CHINA. 1817

Estimate
800 - 1,200 GBP
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Description

  • Journal of the Proceedings of the Late Embassy to China; comprising... the Voyage to and from China, and of the Journey from the Mouth of the Pei-ho to the Return to Canton. London: John Murray, 1817
FIRST EDITION, 4to (272 x 208mm.), 3 engraved maps, one folding, plain engraved portrait, 7 hand-coloured aquatint plates, nineteenth-century half calf, spine gilt, folding map with repaired tear, some browning, rubbed

Literature

Abbey, Travel 536; Hill (2004) 542 ("this edition... is much prized"); Löwendahl 791; Lust 509

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

"The Amherst embassy in 1816 was the third in a series of unsuccessful British attempts to establish trade relations with the Chinese government... The embassy, which was sent out by George III 'to protest at the ill-treatment of British subjects' was a failure, since Lord Amherst refused to kow-tow to the emperor. Ellis, who published this authorised narrative of the journey and transactions of the embassy, had accompanied Earl Amherst in the capacity of third commissioner" (Löwendahl).