ELLIS. JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LATE EMBASSY TO CHINA. 1817

FIRST EDITION, 4to (268 x 200mm.), engraved portrait, 3 engraved maps (one folding), 7 hand-coloured aquatint plates, errata leaf at end, contemporary diced calf, pencil annotations, folding map laid down, a4 with marginal repair, scattered spotting, binding repaired and rebacked

Abbey, Travel 536; Hill (2004) 542 ("this edition... is much prized"); Löwendahl 791; Lust 509

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"The Amherst embassy in 1816 was the third in a series of unsuccessful British attempts to establish trade relations with the Chinese government... The embassy, which was sent out by George III 'to protest at the ill-treatment of British subjects' was a failure, since Lord Amherst refused to kow-tow to the emperor. Ellis, who published this authorised narrative of the journey and transactions of the embassy, had accompanied Earl Amherst in the capacity of third commissioner" (Löwendahl).