Travels in Kamtchatka and Siberia
With a Narrative of a Residence in China

Published in 1830, this lively two-volume account of travels in Russia and China includes observations on the peoples and cultures.

Peter Dobell (Author)

9781108070867, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 March 2014

356 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2 cm, 0.45 kg

An Irish-born adventurer in Russian service, Peter Dobell (1772–1852) embarked in 1812 on a long journey from Kamchatka across Siberia to Tomsk. This two-volume work, first published in 1830, contains a detailed and idiosyncratic account of his journey, painting an affectionate picture of the region and its people. The narrative includes ethnographic observations, descriptions of nights spent with local families, notes on the wildlife encountered, and discussion of the problems caused by the weather. Dobell also lived in China for many years, and his remarks on the experience are incorporated into the work. He gives opinionated observations on topics such as Chinese society, traditions, trade and medicine. Again, this narrative reflects Dobell's instinctive curiosity and enthusiasm. Volume 2 covers the concluding part of Dobell's Siberian travels, from Yakutsk to Tomsk. It also contains all of the chapters on China.

14. Yakutsk
15. Tabbaginsky station
16. Description of the town and inhabitants of Irkutsk
17. Situation of Tomsk
Part II. A Residence in China: 1. Aspect of the country to the eastward of Macao
2. Whampoa
3. Nature of Chinese commercial policy
4. Population of Canton
5. Remarks on the Chinese character
6. Canton
7. Chinese habits
8. Low state of morality in China
9. The first month of the Chinese year, and its festivals
10. Chinese notions of the deluge and the creation
11. General conformity of habits and customs among the various classes in China
12. Infrequency of travelling among Chinese
General account of the varieties and management of tea.

Subject Areas: Historical geography [HBTP]