Yuan Shih-K'ai

by Jerome Ch'en

Originally published in 1961, this widely acclaimed study of one of the pivotal figures of modern Chinese history has been completely revised to incorporate the results of recent research by Western and Chinese scholars and the publication of important archival materials in Taiwan and Great Britain.

258 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Dylan Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and short bio of China's last emperor (82 days!) and arguable first warlord. Works very well in tracing his path from energetic, if opportunistic, reformer to corrupt and venal dictator before totally losing control of China and becoming one of the rare figures hated by nationalist and Communist historians in China.

The analysis at the end is the most important part and was a great summary of Yuan's career, while also showing that Yuan was swimming in a polluted pool and that it would be very difficult to not get some one like him after 1911.

Unfortunately it is let down by being somewhat dated. The Wade-Giles spellings especially let it down, and required a lot of tabbing between Wikipedia pages to get all of the people's Pinyin names right. Ch'en also uses names a little too liberally. Let us know about the major players, but telling the full names of messengers and other servants was unneeded.