Frederic Wakeman, Jr.
Strangers at the Gate
Social Disorder in South China, 1839-1861
$26.95, £18.95 paperback
9780520212398
Available Now
310 pages,
December 1997, Available worldwide
December 1997, Available worldwide
Now available again, this pioneering work examines one of the most controversial periods in Chinese history: the relationship between the Chinese civil and military authorities and the British trading community in Guangdong province on the eve of the Taiping Rebellion, one the most calamitous events in Chinese history. Wakeman shows how prevailing rural discontent, urban riots, secret society activity, and the imbalance of class and clan affected the mechanisms of regional power and gentry control, demonstrating the progression of rebellion and the historical inevitability of revolution.
"A masterly production and an indispensable contribution to our knowledge of China in an age of transition"—Journal of Asian History
"Bristles with insights and interpretations. . . . It is a most significant contribution. . . . The general character is that of social history—but social history that shades into economic, political, intellectual, and diplomatic history."—Journal of Asian Studies
"Well documented with an impressive bibliography of Chinese, Japanese, and Western sources and archives from the British Foreign Office. . . . Professor Wakeman has done assiduous research and produced a remarkable book which makes a considerable contribution to the academic field."—Political Science Quarterly
"Bristles with insights and interpretations. . . . It is a most significant contribution. . . . The general character is that of social history—but social history that shades into economic, political, intellectual, and diplomatic history."—Journal of Asian Studies
"Well documented with an impressive bibliography of Chinese, Japanese, and Western sources and archives from the British Foreign Office. . . . Professor Wakeman has done assiduous research and produced a remarkable book which makes a considerable contribution to the academic field."—Political Science Quarterly
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