Barbarian eye : Lord Napier in China, 1834, the prelude to Hong Kong / Priscilla Napier.

Author
Napier, Priscilla, 1908-1998 [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Εdition
1st English ed.
Published/​Created
London ; Washington : Brassey's, 1995.
Description
x, 246 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 24 cm

Availability

Copies in the Library

Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Forrestal Annex - ADS740.5.G5 N37 1995 Browse related items Request

    Details

    Subject(s)
    Summary note
    This delightfully written book tells the story of William John Napier, 9th Lord Napier of Merchiston, who was sent to China in 1834, not to stop the opium smuggling (by which all local officials profited hugely), but to seek a settlement between the British sea-traders and the Cantonese authorities. Known at home as a brave and sensible sailor who had started his career at Trafalgar, William John was noted for his calm and patience. He was at once seen by the Chinese authorities as a dangerous spy - a 'Barbarian Eye'. Though biographical in character, based largely upon Lord Napier's own letters and journals, the book gives an admirable insight into the story of Western contacts over the centuries with the world's oldest and surely, most remarkable civilisation and a charming description of life in England and Scotland in the early 19th century, including life in the court of King William IV, Lord Napier's close friend and master.
    Bibliographic references
    Includes bibliographical references (p. 243) and index.
    Other title(s)
    Lord Napier in China, 1834, the prelude to Hong Kong
    ISBN
    • 1857531167
    • 9781857531169
    LCCN
    95013590
    OCLC
    32275607
    Statement on language in description
    Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...
    Other views
    Staff view

    Supplementary Information