Barrow, John, Sir Some account of the public life, and a selection from the unpublished writings, of the Earl of Macartney, the latter consisting of extracts from an account of the Russian empire... and a journal of an embassy from the king of Great Britain to the emperor of China. London T. Cadell & W. Davies 1807
First edition. Two volumes, 4to (27.5 x 22 cm), pp.xii, 608; [iv], 531, [1, blank]; portrait frontispiece. A very good set bound in contemporary calf, neatly rebacked. All edges speckled blue. Endpapers renewed. Title of second volume spotted, otherwise clean and crisp. Armorial bookplates of Richard Shuttleworth Streatfeild.
Cordier BS 2391; Löwendahl 735; Lust 501; Morrison I, p.43

An account of Lord Macartney (1737-1806), compiled by John Barrow, who served as comptroller of Macartney's household during his embassy to China from 1792 to 1794, and remained with him thereafter. Barrow edited and published a number of extracts from Macartney's diaries in this work, the first appearance in print of those kept in China. Most of the second volume describes the Chinese embassy in detail, and the accompanying appendices include notes on commerce, printing, ranks, and court dress. The first includes accounts of Russia, Ireland, Grenada, Madras, Bengal, and South Africa. rye jan