The History of the Great and Mighty Kingdom of China and the Situation Thereof, Volume 1 (of 2)

A historical account written in the mid-16th century. The book serves as one of the earliest detailed English narratives concerning China, capturing the intricate social, cultural, and geographic aspects of the kingdom. It discusses the wealth of information amassed by travelers who had ventured into China, emphasizing the notable advancements in Chinese civilization compared to contemporary European society. The opening portion of the work provides an introduction to the context in which Mendoza's account was written, highlighting the importance of his narrative as a valuable resource for understanding China through the eyes of early European explorers. It notes the editor's intention to explain the circumstances surrounding the compilation of the original work and to present previous accounts of China that had reached Europe. The text describes the curious customs, notable products such as tea and porcelain, and gives a glimpse into the daily lives of the Chinese people, emphasizing their cultural practices and advanced societal structure.