'Thomas Manning did many remarkable things and knew many remarkable people. He deserves a biography. Such a book will hold particular interest for those who care about the British Romantics, British culture in the early nineteenth century, or British orientalism.' Michael Ferber, author of Romanticism: A very short introduction
'I had heard of Thomas Manning, but by name only and knew little about his life and travels, therefore the work has proved to be extremely interesting and educational. What an exciting 'boy's own' adventure Manning appears to have had. Sarah Murden, All Things Georgian
Introduction
1 Early life
2 Romantic, 1798-1801
3 France, 1802
4 Delay and departure, 1803-1806
5 Canton, 1807-1809
6 On the skirts of creation, 1810-1816
7 Home again
Conclusion: Why did Thomas Manning want to learn about China?
Bibliography
Index