Anglo-Chinese Encounters Before the Opium War

Focusing on the interactions between the British and Chinese empires over two centuries, this book explores key diplomatic exchanges, beginning with Queen Elizabeth I's correspondence with the Ming Emperor Wanli in 1583 and culminating in Lord Palmerston's letter in 1840. It delves into the complexities of cultural and political relationships, highlighting how these encounters shaped perceptions and policies leading up to the Opium War.