Giles Herbert Allen's "Chinese Sketches" is a fascinating journey into the world of China at the end of the 19th century through the eyes of an English diplomat and writer. The author presents the reader with unique observations and impressions of Chinese society, culture and nature. The book contains vivid descriptions of landscapes, famous places and customs of the country's inhabitants, based on the author's own experience. "Chinese Sketches" is perceived as an important document about those times and an interesting essay about China for modern readers.