MORRISON, Robert.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

A View of China, for Philological Purposes; Containing a Sketch of Chinese Chronology, Geography, Government, Religion & Customs. First edition of this important sinological imprint, unrestored in the original boards. Morrison wrote A View of China as both a standalone reference and to accompany his famous dictionary of Chinese. The printing process employed Chinese type specially cast in Macao using a hybrid English and Chinese method.The East India Company's Macao press was established in 1814 with type and equipment brought from Europe and an initial investment of almost 15,000 pounds. Its first manager, Peter Perring Thoms (1791-1855), supervised the production of Morrison's dictionary over a seven-year period, during which he also undertook a number of side printing projects.For his many sinological contributions, Morrison deserves his reputation as "the chief person who opened to his countrymen the road to the knowledge of the language of China" (ODNB). After serving as the interpreter during Lord Amherst's abortive mission to Peking, he returned to Britain in 1824, bringing with him a substantial library that became the core of the collection at the School of Oriental and African Studies.

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