This is volume 1 (of 2) of the first French edition of Henry Ellis' account while traveling with Lord William Amherst, ambassador to China at the time. Amherst's objective was to build better commercial relations between the two countries. However, after arriving near the palace, Amherst was informed that the Jiaqing Emperor would only meet with him if he performed the kowtow (kneeling down in reverence). Amherst was unwilling to comply and the group made the long journey home (including a shipwreck along the coast of Korea). Included with this 340 page first volume (which includes the encounter with the emperor) are three plates and the folding Carte de la Route Suivie par l'Ambassade Anglaise Depuis l'Embouchure de la Riviere Pei-ho Jusqu'a Pekin which shows the journey up the Hai River to Pekin (Beijing). The map itself extends along the eastern coastline down to Formosa (Taiwain) and Canton (Guangzhou) with good detail along the larger rivers. Octavo, hardbound in quarter leather over paper boards with gilt title on the spine. Translated by MacCarthy and printed in Paris by Delaunay and Mongie.

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Condition: B+

The folding map is very good with light scattered foxing, faint offsetting, and a 2" binding tear at left that has been closed on verso with old paper. Text is tight with light scattered foxing. Covers are lightly worn and stained.