The Works of Confucius; containing The Original Text, With a Translation. By J[oshua]. Marshman.

Published by Serampore: Printed at the Mission Press, 1809

  • First Edition
  • Used
See all details
Item image 1 of 5.
Heritage seller

Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United KingdomPeter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB.

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since July 26, 1999

Association member: ABAPBFAILAB

View this seller's items

Condition: Used

£ 9,250.00

£ 22.00 shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

First edition of this translation of the first ten books of the Analects, the first time any part of the text was directly translated into English, and one of the first books printed at the influential missionary press in Serampore. Marshman (1768-1837) moved to Serampore in 1806 to study Chinese under the tutelage of Professor Hovhannes Ghazarian. He planned this work to be the first in a five-volume series covering the Confucian canon, but no further volumes were completed, Marshman turning his attention to translating the Bible into Chinese. As referenced on the title page, he prefixed The Works of Confucius with A Dissertation on the Chinese Language and Character, but the dissertation was issued separately and is not included here. Provenance: inscribed by Robert Wilson (1803-1882), an engineer and inventor, on the title page, to Lady Elma Bruce, 25 February 1862. Bruce (1842-1923) had connections to the Far East through her father, James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, who served as governor of Jamaica and Canada and then as special envoy to China during the Second Opium War. In all of Elgin's postings, "the same decisiveness and diplomatic skill are apparent. But it is perhaps the unusual degree to which he sympathized with the Chinese he encountered and perceived the difficulties of a decadent empire that was most remarkable" (Dictionary of Canadian Biography). With Wilson's signature on the first blank and his inverted bookplate on the rear pastedown. Cordier 1404; Löwendahl 743; Lust 738. Quarto (265 x 208 mm), pp. vi, 4, xxxix, [1] (blank), 725, [1] (blank), 17, [1] (blank). Contemporary half calf, raised bands ruled in gilt, dark green label, compartments stamped in gilt with tool of central lozenge and four foliate triangles, gilt rolls, marbled sides and edges. Bookplate of Charles Sarolea (1870-1953), Belgian philologist. Boards sometime transposed, spine, joints, and corners repaired, gilt and colour retouched in places, closed tear (postscript, p. 10) repaired with Japanese tissue, final leaves with horizontal indentation: very good.

Seller Inventory # 180127

Bibliographic details

Title
The Works of Confucius; containing The Original Text, With a Translation. By J[oshua]. Marshman.
Author
CONFUCIANISM.
Publisher
Serampore: Printed at the Mission Press, 1809
Edition
1st Edition

Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB.

London, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since July 26, 1999

Association member:

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item7 to 12 business days2 to 3 business days
First item£ 22.00£ 30.00
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Bank Draft
  • Bank Wire Transfer
  • Check
  • Money Order

Store description

Peter Harrington Antiquarian Bookseller has grown to become one of the largest and best known rare booksellers in Europe. Member of the ABA and ILAB. Visit us in the UK at 100 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6HS Phone +44 (0)20 7591 0220 Fax +44 (0)20 7225 7054 www.peterharrington.co.uk

Specialty

Original Artwork & Illustrations, Economics, Colour-Plate Books, Fine Bindings, Landmarks in Science & History, Voyage, Travel & Atlases, Bound Sets, Children's & Illustrated Books, English & American Literature, Modern First Editions

Association member

  • Antiquarian Booksellers' Association
  • Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association
  • International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Peter Harrington Ltd

100 Fulham Road
London, United Kingdom SW3 6HS