The Fortunate Union: A Romance, Translated from the Chinese Original, With Notes and Illustrations, to which is added A Chinese Tragedy

London: The Oriental Translation Fund, 1829. Consists of translation of both volumes of The Fortunate Union ('Haoukewchuen'), and a translation of The Sorrows of Han, followed by a Report of the Proceedings of the Second General Meeting of the Subscribers to the Oriental Translation Fund. The Fortunate Union [Haoqiu Zhuan] is a 17th century Chinese novel of the 'caizi jiaren' ("scholar and beauty") genre. Such novels typically recount the obstacles facing the romance of the protagonists and how these are overcome in a series of dramatic events, the end result being the happy union of the lovers. The genre is characterized by equality of the sexes, strong Confucian morality and sentimental, rather than erotic, love. The Fortunate Union was the first full Chinese novel to be translated into any Western language; beginning in the 18th century, versions appeared in Portuguese, English, French and German. The present volume is the first edition of Davis' translation. The Sorrows of Han [Hangongqiu], a short Chinese tragic play in four acts also translated by Davis, is included at the rear of this volume. The Fortunate Union Vol. I: xxiv, 258 pp., facsimile of title page of the Chinese edition; Vol. II + The Sorrows of Han: vi, 262 pp., map illustrating the 'Route of the Embassy in 1816 from Peking to Tengchang Foo along the Grand Canal'; 31 pp. Report in rear. Solidly bound in red cloth, likely a later (20th century) binding. Very light foxing on first couple of pages only, thereafter all pages clean and bright. Overall very good condition.. First Edition. Hardbound. Very Good. 22 x 14 cm..