[MACARTNEY, George (1737–1806)]. ––

[MACARTNEY, George (1737–1806)]. –– [CAWTHORN, G., editor]. A Complete View of the Chinese Empire… and a Genuine and Copious Account of Earl Macartney’s Embassy from King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China. London: G. Cawthorn, 1798. 8vo. Half–title, engraved portrait frontispiece of Kien Long, Emperor of China, 1pp. advertisement at front and 2pp. publisher’s ad at rear. Modern half crushed levant antique, marbled boards, gilt centerpieces in compartments, green morocco lettering–piece gilt, renewed endpapers (some offsetting from text, occasional light browning). FIRST EDITION, and a rare account from the “journal kept by…, a servant of the Ambassador” (Cox). An important work that laid the foundation for future diplomatic relations between the British embassy and China in the 19th century. Great Britain was anxious to establish formal diplomatic relations with China and open the way for unimpeded trade relations. But the veil of Chinese reserve and self-sufficiency, which for centuries seldom admitted penetration, still hung over the empire, and effectually resisted Lord Macartney’s arguments and gifts. His visit was not in vain however, for provided a most interesting account of Chinese manners and customs at the end of the eighteenth century. Cordier BS 2392; Cox I:345; Löwendahl 701.