Anglo-Chinese Encounters Before the Opium War: A Tale of Two Empires Over Two Centuries

Anglo-Chinese Encounters Before the Opium War explores the encounters between the two historic empires from Queen Elizabeth I's letter to the Ming Emperor Wanli in 1583 to Lord Palmerston's letter to the Minister of China in 1840. It interweaves the most known diplomatic efforts at the official level with the much unknown intellectual interactions at the people-to-people level, using letters, gifts, and traded goods as fulcrums.

Format: Hardback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Before the Opium War, Anglo-Chinese relations were a complex tapestry of cultural, diplomatic, and economic exchanges spanning over two centuries. This captivating narrative delves into the fascinating encounters between the two historic empires, beginning with Queen Elizabeth I's inaugural letter to the Ming Emperor Wanli in 1583 and concluding with Lord Palmerston's correspondence with the Chinese Minister in 1840.

In this comprehensive study, author Xin Liu explores the intricate journey from cultural diplomacy to gunboat diplomacy, unraveling the intricate web of interactions between the two empires. The book weaves together the well-known official diplomatic efforts with the lesser-known intellectual exchanges at the grassroots level, encompassing a wide range of individuals and groups, from missionaries to scholars, merchants to travelers, and artists to scientists.

Through a unique mirror approach, the book pairs and compares the people, texts, commodities, artworks, architecture, ideologies, operating systems, and worldviews of the two empires. By utilizing letters, gifts, and traded goods as focal points, the author offers a fresh perspective on understanding the Sino-centric and Anglo-centric worldviews that shaped the complex relations between these two mighty powers.

By contextualizing Anglo-Chinese relations within the broader world history narratives, the book provides a valuable analysis of the surviving evidence. It sheds light on the power shifts, alliances, and rivalries that have shaped the course of history, highlighting the enduring impact of these encounters on the geopolitical landscape.

While this book is aimed at a general audience interested in learning more about China's historical engagement with the world, it also offers valuable insights for specialists in history. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped Anglo-Chinese relations, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in global history.

Weight: 810g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367741679