An authentic account of an embassy

First edition of the most celebrated and finely illustrated account of the first British embassy to China, which was to lead to the foundation of Hong Kong as a British trading post. It was the failure of this mission to establish direct trade links with China that convinced the British government of the need to set up its own trading post.

Staunton, a medical doctor and friend of Dr. Johnson, accompanied the Lord Macartney as secretary. To write his account, Staunton had access to Macartney's journal and was assisted by John Barrow. Staunton's account is noteworthy for his detailed description of the journey, his examination of Chinese customs (including the binding of women's feet) and the detailed appendix on Chinese trade with Europe and more specifically Britain.

Alexander's plates are of special interest due to their depiction of subjects that very few Europeans had recorded or seen and the indications they to the considerable technical, artistic and organizational advancement of the Chinese civilization. The atlas also includes a detailed map of Macao.

The work was hugely successful, fifteen editions were issued in seven countries in thirty years.