Travels in China, containing descriptions, observations, and comparisons, made and collected in the course of a short residence at the imperial palace of Yuen-Min-Yuen, and on a subsequent journey through the country from Pekin to Canton. . .
by BARROW, John
- Used
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
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Sherman Oaks, California, United States
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About This Item
London: T. Cadell and W. Davies, 1806. Second edition. With 8 plates, including the hand-colored frontispiece, 4 additional hand-colored aquatints, plus 3 black and white plates (2 double page). Half morocco with marbled boards, chipped and faded along the edge, corners bumped and showing some loss, hinges weak; very faint damp stain along the outer edge of the text block, light scattered foxing. From the John Crear Library in Chicago, with its perforated stamp on the title, ink stamps on the verso of many of the plates and preliminary pages, and bookplate on the paste-down. . Second edition. Sir John Barrow took part in the British embassy to China in 1792-94 as secretary to Lord Macartney. Although its mission to open trade with China was ultimately unsuccessful, the embassy was able to gain valuable first-hand knowledge of the country and its people. The official account of the mission was undertaken Sir George Staunton (who used many of Barrow's observations) in 1797, but Barrow was still considered something of an expert in Chinese affairs and wrote many articles on the subject for the Quarterly Review in addition to publishing his own account of the embassy in 1804. The author also clearly took the time to study the Chinese language while abroad, and this work includes his valuable observations on the topic, as well as many examples of Chinese characters.
According to Hill, this book is "one of the best illustrated English travels on China . . . Barrow was an excellent observer, and the text contains a number of descriptions of Chinese artifacts and novelties. Among these a plate of musical instruments, extensive renditions of Chinese melodies in western notation, and a long description, with illustration, of the abacus." Other chapters include passages on literature, medicine and science, social customs, government, and a sketch of the character and private life of the Emperor, whose portrait graces the frontispiece.
Barrow (1764-1848) came from humble beginnings and rose to the rank of baronet in 1835. Best known for his own book about the mutiny on His Majesty's ship Bounty (1831), Barrow was also an avid proponent of polar exploration and had several geographical features named in his honor, including the Barrow Strait. He was also active in the government of Cape Colony (now part of South Africa) during British occupation before the Treaty of Amiens, where he acted as a diplomat and explored the then little-known region.
According to Hill, this book is "one of the best illustrated English travels on China . . . Barrow was an excellent observer, and the text contains a number of descriptions of Chinese artifacts and novelties. Among these a plate of musical instruments, extensive renditions of Chinese melodies in western notation, and a long description, with illustration, of the abacus." Other chapters include passages on literature, medicine and science, social customs, government, and a sketch of the character and private life of the Emperor, whose portrait graces the frontispiece.
Barrow (1764-1848) came from humble beginnings and rose to the rank of baronet in 1835. Best known for his own book about the mutiny on His Majesty's ship Bounty (1831), Barrow was also an avid proponent of polar exploration and had several geographical features named in his honor, including the Barrow Strait. He was also active in the government of Cape Colony (now part of South Africa) during British occupation before the Treaty of Amiens, where he acted as a diplomat and explored the then little-known region.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Rootenberg Rare Books & Manuscripts (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 15020
- Title
- Travels in China, containing descriptions, observations, and comparisons, made and collected in the course of a short residence at the imperial palace of Yuen-Min-Yuen, and on a subsequent journey through the country from Pekin to Canton. . .
- Author
- BARROW, John
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Edition
- Second edition
- Publisher
- T. Cadell and W. Davies
- Place of Publication
- London
- Date Published
- 1806
- Keywords
- China, voyages, travel, trade, Far East, England, economics, illustrated books, english imprints, 19th century
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About the Seller
Rootenberg Rare Books & Manuscripts
Biblio member since 2009
Sherman Oaks, California
About Rootenberg Rare Books & Manuscripts
Founded in 1970, Rootenberg Rare Books has served a large international clientele of collectors as well as private and public institutions in the acquisition of rare books and manuscripts, and in collection development. We are among the leading specialists in the fields of science, medicine, technology and natural history. We also maintain high quality rare books and manuscripts in diverse subjects including travel and exploration, literary classics, economics and philosophy, Americana, and modern first editions, many inscribed. Our expertise and familiarity with these subjects allows us to acquire and house major collections in these fields. We are dedicated to our customer's specific needs, and look forward to developing long term relationships by keeping you informed about significant materials in your areas of interest. Rootenberg Rare Books consists of three generations: grandmother, father and daughter, and is located minutes from West Los Angeles, near UCLA and the Getty, as well as a second location in Durham, North Carolina. We always welcome visitors, though appointments are suggested. We occasionally issue finely printed and illustrated catalogues as well as specialized subject lists, and are constantly adding existing and new material to our website. We exhibit at several national and international book fairs during the year, represent clients at auction and offer appraisal and other professional services. We are always interested in purchasing single items or entire collections, and would be pleased to consider any materials you wish to sell. Special requests and specific wants will be given particular attention. We are always available, via phone, fax or email, to answer questions, search for a specific title, or provide information on our inventory.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Paste-down
- The paste-down is the portion of the endpaper that is glued to the inner boards of a hardback book. The paste-down forms an...
- Bookplate
- Highly sought after by some collectors, a book plate is an inscribed or decorative device that identifies the owner, or former...
- Morocco
- Morocco is a style of leather book binding that is usually made with goatskin, as it is durable and easy to dye. (see also...
- Verso
- The page bound on the left side of a book, opposite to the recto page.
- Marbled boards
- ...
- Text Block
- Most simply the inside pages of a book. More precisely, the block of paper formed by the cut and stacked pages of a book....
- Plate
- Full page illustration or photograph. Plates are printed separately from the text of the book, and bound in at production. I.e.,...