Late Qing Ocean Records: The Story of American Missionary, Man Da and the Li Family

Author: (USA) Lee, D.S.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The over 100 exquisite oil paintings and documentary photographs in the book, with the exception of those passed down through the author's family, were acquired by the author at great expense through various channels for one-time publication rights. Many of the paintings and photographs are being publicly revealed for the first time, offering a true record of late Qing society, culture, and politics. They not only hold high artistic value but also possess collectible value. This book is crafted from family heritage materials. The author's ancestors were officials of the late Qing court, and the book presents, in a narrative form, the public and secret stories surrounding the Opium Wars between China and Britain from 1838 to 1842. It provides a panoramic introduction to the Thirteen Hongs of Guangzhou, particularly detailing the activities of American missionaries. It reveals the inner story of the romance and marriage between a Qing official named Li Zhixiang and the daughter of an American missionary, Susan. It uncovers the suffering of Chinese laborers in the United States, who endured inhumane conditions, as learned by Li Zhixiang. It elaborates on Li Quanshi's experiences and observations of the Boxer Rebellion, the Russo-Japanese War fought on Chinese soil, the Chengdu Massacre of the late Qing era, and his clandestine joining of the Tongmenghui in Japan, as well as his interactions with Huang Xing and Sun Yat-sen. Each chapter in the book narrates one or more stories, each standing independently, with meticulous plot descriptions. The text is straightforward and easy to read, leaving a lasting impression. The over 100 exquisite color and black-and-white illustrations in the book are a true record of late Qing society, culture, and politics. They are largely being published for the first time, making them rare and valuable.