The Last Embassy tells the story of the Dutch mission of 1795 bringing to light a dramatic but
little-known episode that transforms our understanding of the history of China and the West.
Drawing on a wealth of archival material Tonio Andrade paints a panoramic and multifaceted
portrait of an age marked by intrigues and war. China was on the brink of rebellion. In Europe
French armies were invading Holland. Enduring a harrowing voyage the Dutch mission was to be
the last European diplomatic delegation ever received in the traditional Chinese court. Andrade
shows how in contrast to the British emissaries the Dutch were men with deep knowledge of
Asia who respected regional diplomatic norms and were committed to understanding China on its
own terms.
