An attractive copy of the reduced octavo version of the official narrative of the important Macartney embassy to China, by which the British sought to establish formal diplomatic and commercial relations. Staunton served as a secretary to the embassy and compiled his account from the journal of Lord Macartney and other dignitaries. It was hurried to the press to satisfy considerable public curiosity about China both in England and across Europe. The Historical Account was so popular that it was published several times during the 1790s.

An attractive copy of the reduced octavo version of the official narrative of the important Macartney embassy to China, by which the British sought to establish formal diplomatic and commercial relations. Staunton served as a secretary to the embassy and compiled his account from the journal of Lord Macartney and other dignitaries. It was hurried to the press to satisfy considerable public curiosity about China both in England and across Europe. The Historical Account was so popular that it was published several times during the 1790s.

For many English readers Staunton's work offered the first opportunity to understand Chinese government, technologies, agriculture and customs from firsthand description, and this book played an important role in disseminating information to a wider public. Curiosity was especially aroused by China as a source for desirable and lucrative commodities including silk, tea, textiles and ceramics.