The Citizen of the World

Published in 1762, this epistolary satire presents letters from Lien Chi Altangi, a Chinese philosopher visiting London, to his friend Fum Hoam in Peking. He describes clubs, theatres, justice, marriage, and fashion as if they were strange customs, and he reports on Beau Tibbs, a shabby pretender to style, and the Man in Black, a kindly English acquaintance. Subplots include the philosopher's son, who arrives after adventures abroad, and a courtship that tests English hospitality. The book is a series of observational letters, not a continuous novel and not a travel guide to China.

Quarter dark blue cloth binding with Cockerell marbled paper boards. Light brown endleaves decorated with 12 of Keeling's decorations in brown. Cream coarse card slipcase.