"This 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'. The Viceroy Loo of Canton declined to accept Napier's credentials from King William IV and replied to his efforts at communication by adapting the syllables of his name - Nay Peer into the the rudest possible translation - Vile Labouring Beast, (or Laboriously Vile for short). Napier did not mind this but he did mind the Viceroy's refusal to enter into dialogue. All was frustration, but he continued to try for agreement until struck down by a local fever. However, Lord Napier noticed a rocky island occupied by only a few fishermen's families, and guarding one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Why not, without bloodshed, arrange to trade from there, rather than up the river at Canton, where ships could be boxed in at whim? The island was called Hong Kong. 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."--Provided by the publisher.