A Voyage Round the World, in the Years 1740, 41, 42, 43, 44 (Voyage au tour du monde, fait dans les années 1740, 41, 42, 43 & 44) [French] Year: 1764 Call Number: RBK1700-00026 A Voyage Round the World by George Anson is a classic of 18th-century maritime literature. The book is based on Anson’s experiences leading a British fleet around the world between 1740 and 1744. In terms of binding, the French first edition is in quarto, bound with antique-style cowhide leather and marbled cardboard, with a raised decorative band and leather label on the spine. It contains 32 copperplate illustrations (29 of which are folded pages) and 3 folding maps, demonstrating the craftsmanship of European book printing in the 18th century. From the late 17th century to the mid-18th century, the “Chinese style” was popular in many European countries. The international fashion of Chinoiserie, driven by the spread of Chinese silk, tea, porcelain, and other commodities, as well as the dissemination of Sinology by French missionaries in China, led to the “Chinese style” becoming increasingly popular in Britain and sought after by various classes. The nobles took pride in owning Chinese commodities, adopting Chinese decorative styles, and building Chinese-style buildings. But Anson’s experiences in Guangzhou and Macao became the focus of the book. He criticized the corruption of Qing officials and the fraud of merchants, and questioned the lack of creativity in Qing Dynasty craftsmanship, which was limited to imitation. These descriptions were in stark contrast to the Jesuits’ praise of “Chinese style” and profoundly influenced the shift in European countries’ impressions of China. 98 18
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