Reviewed by Diana Ritze
Pensacola, Florida.

The Northern Mariner, Summer 2018

**** If Hong Kong interests you do not miss this book

The title of this work has clearly been constructed to hang it to what remains a unique and attention-grabbing territory and consequently the most publicised events of Elliot’s life. This foreshortens the author’s offering which illuminates the whole life of the man, including aspects of his background important in shaping his attitude and views (some surprisingly advanced for the time) but frequently omitted from historical studies; and vignettes of rarely glimpsed aspects of British colonial policy, diplomacy, and even penal and Royal Naval appointment practices, across the mid-nineteenth century.

The five chapters (of nineteen) covering the four years of Elliot’s China posting and the inquest on its outcome describe his rapid promotion from the fifth to the top tier of the government organisation established to superintend trade with China following the withdrawal of the East India Company monopoly. The tensions between commerce and conflicting government instructions and an energetic man and inadequate colleagues, before a backcloth of constantly crossing communications across a five month barrier of delay, are finely drawn. More than one hundred years later the description of misunderstandings between the British and Chinese authorities remain instructive and make a powerful inducement for purchase of the book by those engaged in business with China today.

If a better understanding of Anglo-Chinese negotiation then informs negotiations today so also does a contemporary view of aspects of the chapters covering Elliot’s subsequent appointment as Consul General to the then independent Texas. The negotiations with Mexico and the US against the ever-present strength of the British interest promote considerations not irrelevant to the current Presidency.

The two prominent appointments of this public servant’s life come gift-wrapped with discoveries from Guyana, Bermuda, and even St Helena.

An impressive depth of historical research delivered in accessible and enjoyable style.

Amazon Review

Article: 'First book for retired registrar' by John Baker as featured by

Wiltshire Times, 20th April 2018

This volume is well written and researched. Being biographical in nature it may appeal to readers seeking a straight ‘adventure’ story. It may also be useful to historians interested in the Nineteenth Century Royal Navy. Historians researching British Imperial Policies and actions during the same century may well find it worthy of their attentions, while those seeking in-depth historical data on locations such as China, the ‘British’ Caribbean and the Republic of Texas may also find it of interest.

NZ Crown Mines