Barbarian eye
Subtitle: Lord Napier in China, 1834, the prelude to Hong Kong
By: Priscilla Napier.
Edition: 1st English ed.
Publisher: Brassey's
Published: 1995
Place of publication: London; Washington
Language: eng
Number of pages: 246
Subjects: Napier, William John, Baron Napier and Ettrick, 1786-1834.; China -- Relations -- Great Britain.; Great Britain -- Relations -- China.; China -- History -- Opium War, 1840-1842 -- Causes.
Other titles: Lord Napier in China, 1834, the prelude to Hong Kong
Description: This delightfully written book tells the story of William John Napier, 9th Lord Napier of Merchiston, who was sent to China in 1834, not to stop the opium smuggling (by which all local officials profited hugely), but to seek a settlement between the British sea-traders and the Cantonese authorities. Known at home as a brave and sensible sailor who had started his career at Trafalgar, William John was noted for his calm and patience.

He was at once seen by the Chinese authorities as a dangerous spy - a 'Barbarian Eye'. Though biographical in character, based largely upon Lord Napier's own letters and journals, the book gives an admirable insight into the story of Western contacts over the centuries with the world's oldest and surely, most remarkable civilisation and a charming description of life in England and Scotland in the early 19th century, including life in the court of King William IV, Lord Napier's close friend and master.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 243) and index.