Travels in China, Containing Descriptions, Observations, and Comparisons, Made and Collected in the Course of a Short Residence at the Imperial Palace of Yuen-Min-Yuen, and on a Subsequent Journey through the Country from Pekin to Canton

Name: Travels in China, Containing Descriptions, Observations, and Comparisons, Made and Collected in the Course of a Short Residence at the Imperial Palace of Yuen-Min-Yuen, and on a Subsequent Journey through the Country from Pekin to Canton
Author: Sir John Barrow

By Sir John Barrow

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History - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)Travel Writing

About This Book

The author records a first-hand account of a diplomatic mission's brief residence at the imperial palace and a subsequent overland and coastal journey to southern ports, combining narrative episodes with detailed descriptions and critical comparisons of society, court ceremonies, landscape gardening, commerce, navigation, language, literature, arts, science, medicine, legal institutions, taxation, military organization, and religious beliefs. Chapters alternate travel narrative, impressions of daily life and amusements, technical observations on manufacturing and mechanics, and speculative essays on origins and foreign contacts, illustrated with engravings and practical notes on navigation, local customs, and administrative practices.

About the Author

Sir John Barrow

Sir John Barrow was an English author and explorer, known for his contributions to travel literature and historical accounts. He served as the second secretary to the Admiralty and played a significant role in promoting Arctic exploration. His notable works include "The Eventful History of the Mutiny and Piratical Seizure of H.M.S. Bounty: Its Cause and Consequences," which provides a detailed narrative of the infamous mutiny, and "Travels in China," where he shares his observations and experiences during his travels in the country. Barrow's writings reflect his keen interest in geography and exploration, contributing to the understanding of both maritime history and the cultures he encountered.