The Immobile Empire

Set in 1793, the narrative explores the historic mission of Lord George Macartney to establish trade relations with China, highlighting the cultural clash exemplified by his refusal to perform the kowtow before the Emperor. This pivotal moment foreshadows the difficulties that would plague future interactions between China and the West. Drawing from rich source materials, including the diary of Thomas Staunton, the book vividly recounts this encounter, illustrating the complexities and misunderstandings that defined the meeting of these two great empires.