An Explanation of the Elementary Characters of the Chinese; with an Analysis of their ancient Symbols and Hieroglyphics.

Small folio (39x28 cm). Pp. lxxvi, (ii), 43, (1) Errata. Frontispiece. Plus large folding plate bound-in. With 214 numbered typographical examples. With a description of characters "whose elements are difficult to find" with additional 40 additional examples. Numerous other text figures and typographical examples to the extended introduction. Hardcover, beautifully bound in recent black full calf, spine with raised bands between compartments, each decorated with gilt fleuron, red morocco lettering-piece in gilt to the second compartment, blind ruled sides with small corner ornaments; some foxing and spotting to title-page and bookblock edges. In fine condition. An impressive tome printed on thick paper with ample margins, untrimmed preserving the original rough edges. ~ First edition. Remarkable production. ". Whether regarded as new, curios, or splendid, it is highly entitled to attention. Its typographical excellence entitles it to no small degree of praise, whilst the beauty of the Chinese characters it exhibits, and the exquisite fabric of the paper, place it far beyond all competition with every other work of the kind: indeed, properly speaking, no work of the kind hath hitherto appeared." ~ The Critical Review, 1801.