Maggs Bros.

A comprehensive guide for American and British merchants hoping to make their fortunes in the East. The “Chinese Commercial Guide” was originally published by Morrison in 1834. This edition is greatly enlarged and for the first time includes chapters on Siam and Japan. It provides details on the regulations governing trade at the open ports of China and Japan, a description of goods for import and export, lists of tariffs and duties, as well as sailing directions. Also provides the text of the recent American treaty negotiated by Commodore Perry with Japan; as well as a list of currencies used throughout East Asia. Key terms often show the corresponding Chinese characters. This copy includes the very rare map of China. Although clearly intended to accompany this volume, it may have been issued separately. Thomas Hunt & Co. were dock proprietors and shipwrights. Their manager was the American captain William E. Putnam (1810-1868), who also served as vice consul for the United States at Whampoa.

“Eight years have now elapsed since the third edition was published, during which time the changes have been many and important. Shanghai, Fuhchau, and Hongkong have become centres of a large and growing trade, while the business of Canton and Macao has diminished, both relatively and absolutely. The opening of the trade with Siam and Japan possesses sufficient connection with that of China, too, to warrant the introduction of ti regulations now in force respecting them.” (Preface).