RARE. 8vo. Pp. xvi 344. 11 engraved hand-coloured plates (probably coloured in the 19th century (?)). Contemporary polished calf, expertly re-backed with a rich gilt flat spine with a red morocco title label, corners rubbed. Bookplate of: "James Loughnan" on front pastedown. With some light staining to a few plates with minor repairs. FIRST EDITION of this early travel narrative of St. Helena, Java, and China. The plates include one of St. Helena, one of Batavia, two of Malaysian boats, and; six belonging to the Chinese. "His account of Canton and its environs is more copious and exact than any hitherto published. During his six months residence there, in which time he had little else to do than gratify his curiosity. He was diligent and indefatigable in his inquiries. He was greatly assisted by cultivating an intimacy with a Chinese merchant, a man endowed with a degree of knowledge and sagacity greatly beyond what is commonly possessed by people of that class" (Preface). Coloured plates in order: 1. A View of St. Helena. 2. A Shark with the Belly up / A Flying Fish. 3. Malayan Prows. 4. A Flying Prow, or Biddok. 5. A View of the City of Batavia (folding plate). 6. A Mandarin. 7. Chinese in their Common Dress Saluting. 8. Two Chinese Cowlies, or Porters carrying a Dinner in a Chest from a Cook's Shop. 9. Chinese Idols. 10. Pagoda, or High Tower between Wampoo & Canton. 11. A Mandarin's Pleasure Boat.