Ever since the Empress of China's trailblazing voyage of 1784-85, a fascination with the United States of America's trade with China has built and dashed fortunes; it has embued many an American east coast seaport, from Maine to Virginia, with exotic historical aurae; and, during the second half of the 20th century especially, it has prompted a marked flurry of scholarly activity. For more than a decade Rhys Richards has painstakingly sought out and pieced together what may now be described as the most comprehensive listing yet achieved of American-flag vessels engaged in trade with China during the first three decades...