Lot 258
  • 258

STAUNTON, GEORGE. AN AUTHENTIC ACCOUNT OF AN EMBASSY FROM THE KING OF GREAT BRITAIN TO THE EMPEROR OF CHINA. 1797

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description

  • An authentic account of an embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China. London: G. Nicol, 1797
FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes text, 4to (285 x 224mm.), and one atlas volume folio (561 x 413mm.), together 3 volumes, text volumes with 2 engraved portraits, one engraved plate and 26 engraved illustrations in the text, one leaf prospectus for Costumes of China at end of volume 2, atlas volume with 44 engraved plates and maps (some folding), text in modern black calf-backed green boards in period style, atlas volume in contemporary black morocco-backed green boards, scattered spotting, atlas volume repaired and rebacked retaining original spine

Provenance

John Stafford Reid Byers, armorial bookplate; Carlton Club, ink stamps; both in atlas volume

Literature

Cordier, Sinica 2381–83; Löwendahl 697; Lust 545 and 547; Western Travellers in China 47

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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 official account of Lord Macartney's voyage and embassy to the Qianlong emperor in 1792-94, “compiled by the Secretary (and Minister Plenipotentiary in the absence of the Ambassador) Sir George Leonard Staunton. Macartney’s chief object was to establish diplomatic relations with China. However, it is only on p.411 in vol. 1 that the reader disembarks on Chinese soil” (Löwendahl).