~ Book 1889071019 ~

Samuel Wells Williams

 
Condition. The book is in Very Good condition. It is an ex non-circulating library book. It has a rubbed area on the spine where a library number was probably removed. On the inside paste down there is a book private book plate "ALS IKII Kan" signed "J.C.G. Piatt" and a numbered bookplate for the Minnesota Historical Society marked "Withdrawn." No other library treatments or markings. The back paste down is cracked. The binding is solid and tight. The head and foot of the spine are soft and the corners lightly bumped. There is a ding along the edge of the upper board. The pages are very clean and free of marks, toning, staining or other faults. The majority of the pages remain uncut as issued.

 
Williams, Frederick Wells (son of S. Wells Williams):
The Life and Letters of Samuel Wells Williams, Missionary, Diplomatist, Sinologue, New York and London, G.P. Putnam's Sons, The Knickerbocker Press, 1889, copyrighted 1888, 8vo (6 1/2 x 9 in - 16.5 x 23 cm), dark blue cloth with gilt lettering on front board and spine, printed on heavy laid paper, tissue guard protected finely engraved frontispiece portrait of S. Wells Williams, top edge gilt, outside edge edge untrimmed, index, i-vi, 490 pp. Samuel Wells Williams (1812-1884) was a noted missionary to China, diplomat and Sinologist who wrote extensively on China. This book was written by his son Frederick Wells Williams. The book starts with his birth in the US in 1812 in Utica New York. Williams moved to China in 1833. He spent the years from 1833-1876 in China as a missionary, printer and in diplomatic roles. The major events in China, with emphasis on the Western Powers, are chronicled through his journals and letters through his departure in 1876. The last chapter of the book deals with his live after returning to the United States. In China, Williams was deeply involved in the Western efforts to open Japan. His participation in the voyage of the ship Morrison to Okinawa and on to Japan in 1837 is covered is covered as well as his important role in the Perry Expedition to Japan and the immediate aftermath (Chapters V-VI, pages 183-233). The book is composed primarily of journal entries and letters by or to S. Wells Williams. They are merged into historical context by the author.

The pages relating to the call of the Morrison in Okinawa are here.

Engraved Frontispiece

Samuel Wells Williams

Title Page