Voyage of His Majesty's ship Alceste,

Best edition, enlarged and corrected. Contains descriptions of the Ryukyus (then a Chinese protectorate) and Canton (Guangzhou).

'This voyage was undertaken for the purpose of conveying the Embassy, under Lord Amherst to China. In 1816 the Alceste reached Rio de Janeiro. After a short visit to the Cape of Good Hope, Batavia was touched and China was reached shortly after. While the matters of the embassy were proceeding, the ships sailed on an expedition for the survey and exploration of the west coast of Korea and the Ryukyu Islands. In the course of this work a long visit was made to Okinawa. On the return voyage, after Manila had been visited, the Alceste struck a submerged reef off Sumatra and became a total loss. The crew and passengers were saved and a vivid account is given of their experiences, of how they were attacked by Malay pirates and of their final rescue. They also visited St. Helena and an interesting account is given of an interview with Napoleon.' (Hill).

Second edition. 8vo, 323 pp., engraved portrait frontispiece, five hand coloured aquatint plates, a little spotting, etc., contemporary half calf marbled boards, rebacked, a very good copy.

Abbey (Travel), 559; Bastin & Brommer 133; Cordier, Sinica, 3; Hill 1167;Lowendahl 792 (first edition, 1817); Lust 376.