Siao Çu Lin, or a Small Collection of Chinese Characters, Analysed and Decompounded, with the English Prefixed in the Order of the Alphabet, by Way of Introduction to the Language of China. Also the Elementary Characters as They are Pronounced at Pekin & Canton with a Preface and Notes of Construction. To Which is Added the Chinese Genesis & its Agreement with the Mosaic Account.

WESTON, Stephen.

Published by London: H. Mutlow, 1812

About this Item

First edition, association copy, inscribed on the first blank by a relative of the publisher, most likely his son. This is a "curious and picturesque" (Lust) pre-Victorian window onto European perceptions of the Chinese language and the complexities and appearance of its written characters. Following publication, copies quickly became hard to find for collectors, with an 1827 catalogue from the bookseller's Howell and Stewart already describing it as "scarce". The inscription reads: "From Mr Mutlow to Lancelot Thomas, May 11th 1865". While we have not been able to trace further details about the recipient, the "Mr Mutlow" here presumably refers to James, son of the engraver Henry Mutlow (c.1756-1827) who published this book. Following his father's death, James took over the running of his father's premises in Covent Garden, perhaps sourcing this copy from the firm's archives for a keen collector. Stephen Weston (1747-1830) was an antiquarian and classical scholar - a man of "widespread learning" (ODNB) - who wrote some 50 books, including various translations of Persian poetry, commentaries on Shakespeare, and several studies of classical architecture; notably he produced the first English translation of the Rosetta Stone, presented verbally at a Society of Antiquaries meeting in 1802. Cordier (1st edition), p. 784; Lust 1036; not in Löwendahl. Octavo (239 x 150 mm), ff. [i], 27. Contents all printed from engraved plates, the majority of which show different forms of Chinese characters. Recently rebound in red pebble-grain cloth, front cover lettered in gilt, top edge sprinkled red, first blank untrimmed on fore edge, title page trimmed shorter than remainder of contents. Old paper slip with black seal stamp pasted onto title page slightly obscuring text, engraved slip with announcement from the author sometime pasted onto verso of title page. Contents moderately foxed and browned. A very good copy with strong and sharp plate impressions.

Seller Inventory # 161695

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Siao Çu Lin, or a Small Collection of Chinese Characters, Analysed and Decompounded, with the English Prefixed in the Order of the Alphabet, by Way of Introduction to the Language of China. Also the Elementary Characters as They are Pronounced at Pekin & Canton with a Preface and Notes of Construction. To Which is Added the Chinese Genesis & its Agreement with the Mosaic Account.
• Publisher: London: H. Mutlow, 1812
• Edition: 1st Edition