The first British embassy to China. The most celebrated and finely illustrated account of the first British embassy to China, which was to lead to the foundation of Hong Kong as a British trading post. It was the failure of this mission to establish direct trade links with China that convinced the British government of the need to set up its own trading post. The work itself was hugely successful, fifteen editions were issued in seven countries in thirty years.

Staunton, a medical doctor and friend of Dr. Johnson, accompanied Lord Macartney as Secretary, and in order to write his account, Staunton was given access to Macartney's journal and was assisted by John Barrow. Staunton's account is noteworthy for his detailed description of the journey, his examination of Chinese customs (including the binding of women's feet) and the detailed appendix on Chinese trade with Europe and more specifically Britain.

Alexander's plates are of special interest due to their depiction of subjects that very few Europeans had recorded or seen and the indications they gave to the considerable technical, artistic and organizational advancement of the Chinese civilization. The atlas also includes a detailed map of Macao.

Presented in July 1837 by the antiquary Richard Almack (1799–1875) to his brother William (1811–1843), with an inscription to the title page. William was a tea merchant who travelled to China in 1837, dying on the return journey home. His property in Hong Kong was designated 'Almack Place' by the colonial government. The arms of Lord Macartney have been added to the pastedown of vol. I.

Second (corrected) edition; 2 vols 4to text & folio atlas (58.5 x 43 cm); text with 2 engraved portrait frontispieces of Emperor Tchien Lung & Earl Macartney with 26 illustrations of which one full-page; atlas with 44 plates, including one folding, most after W. Alexander, & 7 double-page folding maps; occasional light marks and light spotting to text, folio vol. with some foxing and light marginal damp-staining at end; text vols in contemporary half calf, marbled sides, spines gilt in compartments with lettering- and numbering- pieces, rubbing to boards; folio vol. in contemporary half red morocco, paste paper sides, spine gilt in compartments with lettering-pieces, some discolouration and staining to upper cover, a very good set.

Cordier (Sinica), 2381-83; Hill 1628; Lowendahl 697; Lust 545 & 547.