This well-preserved hardcover is in near-fine condition—tight, square, and unmarked, with no internal marks or annotations. Though lacking the dust jacket, it features yellow cloth boards with bright gilt lettering on the spine. Foreign Mud: Being an Account of the Opium Imbroglio at Canton in the 1830s and the Anglo-Chinese War that Followed is a historical narrative written by Maurice Collis and first published in 1946 by Faber and Faber in London. The book provides a vivid, accessible account of the events leading up to the First Opium War (1839–1842) between Britain and China. Collis, a former British colonial administrator in Burma and a prolific writer on Asian history, draws on a range of sources to paint a compelling portrait of the social, political, and commercial tensions that culminated in one of the most significant clashes of imperial history. Collis writes in a narrative-driven style, making the book engaging for general readers as well as historians. The book features striking illustrations, including maps, and drawings that bring to life the 19th-century world of Canton. Despite being published shortly after World War II, Faber and Faber printed Foreign Mud on remarkably high-grade paper. The pages are thick, creamy, and durable, showing little sign of yellowing. The print quality is crisp and refined. The typesetting is elegant and thoughtfully spaced, enhancing legibility and aesthetic appeal. It’s a prime example of when content and craftsmanship aligned in publishing—something Maurice Collis’s works were often known for.