Title
Soulstealers: The Chinese Sorcery Scare Of 1768,Used
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Midway Through The Reign Of The Ch'Ienlung Emperor, Hungli, In The Most Prosperous Period Of China'S Last Imperial Dynasty, Mass Hysteria Broke Out Among The Common People. It Was Feared That Sorcerers Were Roaming The Land, Clipping Off The Ends Of Men'S Queues (The Braids Worn By Royal Decree), And Chanting Magical Incantations Over Them In Order To Steal The Souls Of Their Owners. In A Fascinating Chronicle Of This Epidemic Of Fear And The Official Prosecution Of Soulstealers That Ensued, Philip Kuhn Provides An Intimate Glimpse Into The World Of Eighteenthcentury China. Kuhn Weaves His Exploration Of The Sorcery Cases With A Survey Of The Social And Economic History Of The Era. Drawing On A Rich Repository Of Documents Found In The Imperial Archives, He Presents In Detail The Harrowing Interrogations Of The Accuseda Ragtag Assortment Of Vagabonds, Beggars, And Roving Clergyconducted Under Torture By Provincial Magistrates. In Tracing The Panic'S Spread From Peasant Hut To Imperial Court, Kuhn Unmasks The Political Menace Lurking Behind The Queueclipping Scare As Well As The Complex Of Folk Beliefs That Lay Beneath Popular Fears Of Sorcery. Kuhn Shows How The Campaign Against Sorcery Provides Insight Into The Period'S Social Structure And Ethnic Tensions, The Relationship Between Monarch And Bureaucrat, And The Inner Workings Of The State. Whatever Its Intended Purposes, The Author Argues, The Campaign Offered Hungli A Splendid Chance To Force His Provincial Chiefs To Crack Down On Local Officials, To Reinforce His Personal Supremacy Over Top Bureaucrats, And To Restate The Norms Of Official Behavior. This Wideranging Narrative Depicts Life In Imperial China As It Was Actually Lived, Often In The Participants' Own Words. Soulstealers Offers A Compelling Portrait Of The Chinese Peoplefrom Peasant To Emperorand Of The Human Condition.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has three hundred twenty pages. It offers a comprehensive narrative of a historical event in eighteenth-century China.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is a paperback. This makes it lightweight and flexible, ideal for easy reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point fourteen inches in length, zero point eight inches in width, and nine point twenty-five inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for handling.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read the book by simply opening it and following the text from the beginning to the end. It is suitable for adult readers and those interested in historical narratives.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: No, this book is primarily aimed at adult audiences. It covers complex themes related to history and social structure.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: The book falls under the genre of historical non-fiction. It explores real events and social issues in China during the eighteenth century.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: You should store the book in a cool, dry place to prevent damage. Keeping it upright on a shelf or in a bookcase is recommended.
- Q: Can this book be cleaned? A: Yes, you can clean the book's cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquids as they can damage the pages.
- Q: How do I keep this book in good condition? A: To maintain the book's condition, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight and high humidity. Handle it carefully to prevent wear and tear.
- Q: How does this book compare to other historical books? A: This book offers a unique perspective on a specific historical event in China, making it distinct from other historical accounts. It combines narrative with social analysis.
- Q: Is this book suitable for research purposes? A: Yes, this book is suitable for research. It is well-researched and contains references to primary sources from imperial archives.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers have policies in place for such issues.
- Q: What if I need assistance with my order? A: If you need assistance with your order, you can reach out to customer support. They can help with tracking, returns, or any other inquiries.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with a warranty. However, check with the seller for their specific return policy.
- Q: What is the author’s background? A: The author, Philip A. Kuhn, is a respected historian known for his work on Chinese history. His expertise adds credibility to the book's content.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes such as mass hysteria, social structure, and the relationship between the state and its people in imperial China.