This book, from the series Primary Sources: Historical Books of the World (Asia and Far East Collection), represents an important historical artifact on Asian history and culture. Its contents come from the legions of academic literature and research on the subject produced over the last several hundred years. Covered within is a discussion drawn from many areas of study and research on the subject. From analyses of the varied geography that encompasses the Asian continent to significant time periods spanning centuries, the book was made in an effort to preserve the work of previous generations.

This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Volume: 1; Original Published by: H. Colburn in 1838 in 336 pages; Subjects: China; History / Asia / China; Travel / Asia / China;

This three-volume set presents one of the most detailed descriptions of early 19th-century China by a Western visitor, Charles Toogood Downing. The volumes offer a unique portrait of the routine life of all the peoples of Canton (modern day Guangzhou), both higher and lower classes, Western and Chinese, and keen insights on how the indigenous Chinese population viewed foreigners working and living in their country (the Fan-qui - or foreign devils - of the title). Among the wide range of topics covered by Downing are commerce, culture, law, family relations, agriculture, religion, medicine, smuggling, shipping and navigation, together with information on attitudes to, and business restrictions upon, the English, Americans, Mohammedans, Russians, French and Malays who made up the Fan-qui population. Written in the years immediately preceding the British invasion and the First Opium War (1839-42), The Fan-qui in China reveals the perspective of a foreigner trying, in difficult circumstances, to gain a sympathetic understanding of Chinese society and civilization. With a new introduction by Peter C. Perdue, Professor of History at Yale University, these rare volumes will be welcomed by all those interested in the history, commerce and culture of China and its relations with other countries.