Author
Alexander Michie
1833-1902
Alexander Michie (1833-1902) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Alexander Michie
The Siberian Overland Route from Peking to Petersburg, Through the Deserts and Steppes of Mongolia, Tartary, &c.
"The Siberian Overland Route from Peking to Petersburg" by Alexander Michie is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work presents a firsthand narrative of the author's journey from China to Russia through Mongolia and Siberia, detailing the landscapes, cultures, and experiences encountered along the way. The book aims to shed light on a route that had been largely unexplored and, as suggested in the preface, aims to provide new insights into the regions traversed. The opening of the book introduces Michie's motivation for embarking on this journey, inspired by previous travelers and the desire to experience the mysteries of less-known regions. He contrasts the difficulties and discomforts of the journey by sea with the allure of the northern route through challenging climates and unfamiliar landscapes. Michie describes the societal changes occurring in China at the time, particularly concerning foreign access and the restrictions imposed by the local government, while setting the stage for his travel experiences that follow. The narrative is filled with observations on the geography, local customs, and the dynamics of foreign and native interactions, effectively drawing the reader into the journey's historical context.
The Englishman in China During the Victorian Era, Vol. 2 (of 2) As Illustrated in the Career of Sir Rutherford Alcock, K.C.B., D.C.L., Many Years Consul and Minister in China and Japan
"The Englishman in China During the Victorian Era, Vol. 2 (of 2)" by Alexander Michie is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The volume focuses on the intricate relationships between Britain and East Asian countries, particularly emphasizing the political and diplomatic challenges faced during the Victorian era, with a lens on the career of Sir Rutherford Alcock, a British consul and minister in China and Japan. The work delves into the significant events and treaties that shaped Western engagement with Japan, especially amid its transition from isolation to international involvement. The opening of the volume introduces the complexities surrounding Japan's reopening to foreign trade and diplomatic relations. It begins by recounting the pivotal events leading to the treaties signed by various Western powers, including the United States and Britain, facilitated by figures like Commodore Perry and Lord Elgin. The narrative elaborates on the initial interactions with Japanese officials, highlighting the country's unique socio-political landscape, its cautious acceptance of foreign influence, and the emerging tensions between traditional values and the pressures of modernization. Michie reveals that foreign dealings were marked by misunderstanding, prejudice, and notable resistance, establishing the groundwork for the subsequent chapters that cover the tumultuous period of repeated diplomatic crises and violent incidents against foreign representatives in Japan.
The Englishman in China During the Victorian Era, Vol. 1 (of 2) As Illustrated in the Career of Sir Rutherford Alcock, K.C.B., D.C.L., Many Years Consul and Minister in China and Japan
"The Englishman in China During the Victorian Era, Vol. 1 (of 2)" by Alexander Michie is a historical account written in the late 19th century. It focuses on the life and career of Sir Rutherford Alcock, a prominent British consul and minister in China and Japan during a pivotal period of diplomatic relations. The text sheds light on the intersections of Western and Eastern cultures, particularly during the tumultuous times of British imperial expansion and the opium trade, portraying Alcock's contributions to understanding and navigating these complex relationships. The opening of the work introduces the reader to Sir Rutherford Alcock's early life, detailing his childhood influenced by personal loss and health challenges, and his strong pursuit of education in the medical field. Michie recounts Alcock's military service as a surgeon during the Peninsular Wars, establishing his character and dedication. As the narrative progresses, it hints at the significant events of British interaction with China, including the contradictions of trade and diplomacy prior to the First Opium War, setting the stage for his eventual appointment as consul under the Treaty of Nanking. The beginning of this volume effectively intertwines Alcock's personal journey with the broader historical narrative of British-Chinese relations, inviting readers to explore the intricate web of interests and tensions that defined this era.