Portfolio Chinensis: or a Collection of Authentic Chinese State Papers Illustrative of the History of the Present Position of Affairs in China. With a Translation, Notes and Introduction. de J. Lewis Shuck - 1840

Half morocco. Woodblock Chinese texts above English translation with exception of Appendix printed in July 1840 for which woodblocks could not be cut in time & where the Chinese characters were printed with the East India Company's movable Chinese type. Both types (though especially English) firmly bitten in to native stock. Shuck presents an unbiased (almost satirical) account of the futile Chinese attempts to rid themselves of British opium imports in printing their edicts, many of which were in effect supplications to the "rascally" English smugglers who "only know how to benefit themselves, regardless of the injuries the inflict upon our people!" By the time of the final document ("for the removal of the evils arising from opium") the government is reduced to a warrant on all English heads: "The taking alive of English barbarians no matter they be soldiers or merchants, for every such individual, a reward, in cash, of one hundred dollars shall be given. For the murder of each one of the above, the fact being verified, one fifth of the aforesaid sum shall be awarded." Greater awards (up to twenty thousand dollars) were offered for English officers and ships. Nineteenth century title page rebacking with no effect to text. This copy that of R.H. Horne (his name to t.p.), collaborator with Charles Dickens in "The Great Exhibition and the Little One" (1856) contrasting Britain's exuberant display in the Great Exhibition with the restrained Chinese "Little One" in Hyde Park. Mid twentieth century half brown morocco; five raised bands; marbled end papers and boards; title, author, place & date to spine; previous owner's name to foot. Top edge gilt. A little underscoring and knowledgeable linguistic scholia with alternate translations. A complete text in a handsome yet supple half morocco binding. Cordier 1905-6 (q.v.); Lust 478. Description © William Chrisant, Virginia Book Shop, 2015.; 147 x 217 mm; xvi, 191 pages; All shipments through USPS insured Priority Mail.