China (the Second Opium War) and Hong Kong as illustrated in the Illustrated London News, January to June 1857, Volume Thirty.
London: Illustrated London News, 1857. Hardcover. Complete half year volume (Volume Thirty) of this influential and popular illustrated newspaper, with important content and many fine wood block engravings of China, Hong Kong, and Australia. With a stunning gilt illustration at the front board of a port cityscape resembling the Dutch Folly Fort at Canton.
The China content pertains to the formal declaration of war on China in the Second Opium War, and the subsequent attack on Canton. At the same time, British troops were gathering in Hong Kong and there was an attempt to poison British Governor Sir John Bowring; an article printed here "The Poisonings at Hong-Kong". (p286).
China engravings include: Bombardment of Canton, the suburbs on fire; Canton River, the Red Fort & European Quarters; Dutch Folly Fort; Part of Destroyed Walls of Canton; Chinese Soldiers; Chinese Passage Boats; Capture of French Folly Fort near Canton; Chow, Pirate Boat near Canton; British Factories at Canton; Interior of the Anunghoy Bogue Forts demolished by the "Nankin"; Interior of Dutch Folly Fort; Silk Culture in China, preparing the raw silk. Full page engravings of China include: Canton and part of the suburbs during the Conflagration; Naval Reinforcement for China Squadron; Her Majesty's "Transit" Refitting and Receiving Stores for China; and the Frigate "Furious" and the Convoy of Gun Boats for China.
Hong Kong engravings include: Hong Kong, the Central portion of the Town of Victoria; shop of the Chinese baker, Esing (Alum) at Victoria, Hong Kong; Examination at the Police Office, Victoria, Hong Kong of Esing, the Baker upon the Charge of Poisoning; and Mr. Consul Parkes Bidding Adieu to the Old Co-Hong Mandarins. Australia engravings include: Aboriginal Mode of Disposal of the Dead in Australia; Aboriginals of Western Australia; and Kangaroo Hunt in Western Australia.
Folio volume. Blue green gilt stamped cloth, with a magnificent gilt illustration of a Chinese port city reminiscent of the Dutch Folly Fort at Canton. At the base of the brilliant gilt decoration is what looks like a stylized artist's stamp with an "R" at the center of it. Covers & spine just a bit rubbed; spine ends a bit worn. Internally, very good + condition, with the plates bright and clean. Very good condition. Item #21722
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