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.

Contains the first printing of Sartor resartus, as well as other works by Thomas Carlyle.