Voyage of His Majesty Ship Alceste, to China, Corea, and the Island of Lewchew, with an Account of Her Shipwreck

London: John Murray, 1820. 5 hand- colored aquatint copper etched plates, 339p., appendix, engraved frontis of the captain. Third and best edition. RARE A fascinating primary source, with commentary on China and the Ryukyu Islands. With 8 very nice colored engraved plates. Covering the voyage from England to the Brazils, the Cape of Good Hope, Java, and the Gulf of Pe-tche-lee. The ships visit Chinese Tartary, the provinces of Pe-tche-lee and Shantung, and examine the coast of Corea. Arrival to the island of Grand Lewchew, kind reception by the natives, account of history, general character & manners of this singular people. This is the famous account of the voyage of the Alceste which brought Lord Amherst to China to serve as ambassador, and specifically to negotiate the China trade, at the time a matter of dispute between China and Great Britain. It was also on this voyage that the people of Luchu [Ryukyu] were first visited by Europeans. The island was later renamed Okinawa. Five beautiful hand-colored aquatints. Open tear on pp305-6 not affecting text. Minimal foxing text clean. Extremities of boards worn.. 3rd Edition. Quarter Leather/Boards. Very Good+/No Jacket. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.