Memoirs and Remarks Geographical, Historical, Topographical, Physical, Natural, Astronomical, Mechanical, Military, Mercantile, Political, and Ecclesiastical. Made in above Ten Years Travels through the Empire of China: Particularly, upon Their Pottery and varnishing, Silk and other Manufactures, Pearl-fishing,...Economy and Government, the Philosophy of the Famous Confucius...
London: Printed by John Hughs for Olive Payne, 1738. Frontispiece engraving of Confucius, fold-out plates, table. Leather over boards. Octavo. [viii], 536 pages.
Landmark account of Qing‑era China based on the detailed observations of Jesuit missionary and mathematician Louis le Comte while on the French Jesuit mission to China in 1687-1691. Originally published in Paris in 1696. This 1738 edition was translated from "the best Paris edition" and newly illustrated with copper‑engraved plates.
Le Comte's work became one of Europe’s most influential sources on China’s geography, sciences, court culture, and religious life, and it was this English translation through which Enlightenment readers became familiar with China's sciences, governance, and religious life.
A nicely preserved copy of this important work.
Very good. Bound in leather over boards with spine professionally rebacked probably in latter 19th century, laid paper endpapers. Small bookplate at top of front pastedown "A. Eyre--Grove," and same owner stamped "A * Eyre" at top of title page. Minor extremity rubs and surface wear to original boards. Binding sound and interior leaves and plates clean and bright. A lovely copy.
Item #2015
Price: $1,000