VOYAGES A PEKING, MANILLE ET L’ÎLE DE FRANCE, FAITS DANS LA INTERVALLES DES ANNÉES 1784 À 1801. by GUIGNES, CHRÉTIEN LOUIS JOSEPH DE - 1808

Four volumes, complete. Three 8vo text volumes in recent calf, spines gilt, red morocco labels, contained in marbled-paper slipcases. Atlas volume in modern quartercalf and blue cloth boards with early 19th century gilt spine with red morocco labels laid down. Minor scattered spotting. A handsome set of the first edition of this comprehensive account. Atlas volume with 97 engravings on 66 leaves, including large map on two folding sheets, two full page maps and two folding maps. The maps include the region between Peking and Qingdao (Canton), map and plan of Macao, maps of the Philippines and of Manila Bay. The plates illustrate views, architecture of palaces and pagodas, street life, gardens, theater, costume, etc. Text deals with foreign trading companies, industry, canals, ships, roads, painting and sculpture, porcelain, festivals and customs, and so on. Guignes, a French Sinologist, lexicographer, and diplomat, was appointed French Resident in China and Consul in Canton 24 in 1784. From 1794 to 1795, he was interpreter with the Dutch Embassy to Peking, spending a total of seventeen years in China. His narrative, illustrated with sketches that he made on the spot, is an interesting personal perspective on the embassy to Peking. Cordier 2351-2352. Hill 2004.