A Fine Collection of American Literature and History

New York: Printed by T. and J. Swords, for Rogers and Berry, 1795. First American edition. 12mo. xxiv, 328 pp. Full contemporary mottled calf, front board starting, extremities and spine ends worn; ownership signatures on endpapers and prelims; previous owner's name blind-stamped at top of p. (1); foxing and soiling to text; dampstaining in bottom edge of first 30 pages. Evans 28189

One of the first works published in America about China, written only a decade after trading relationships were established between the two countries. Includes a two-page glossary of Chinese words. The author of the book, Aeneas Anderson, was a valet for Lord George McCartney at the first British Embassy established in Beijing. His observations provide a first-hand account of Chinese customs of the time.