Treason by the Book
Treason by the Book by Jonathan D. Spence, published by Penguin Random House UK on January 5, 2006, is a detailed exploration of a historical incident in 18th century China. This 320-page work delves into the events surrounding a rebellion plot against the Manchu rulers, initiated by a stranger who approached Governor Yue in 1728. Spence utilizes a wealth of documentary evidence, including over one hundred and fifty secret documents from Chinese archives, to reconstruct the narrative of this revolt, highlighting the interplay between ambition and bureaucratic power.
Readers will find a meticulous account of the rebellion’s planning and execution, as well as the subsequent actions taken by Emperor Yongzheng. The book presents a complex picture of the motivations behind the revolt and the Emperor’s response, which included both capture and unexpected mercy for the ringleaders. Through its focus on biography, history, and the cultural dynamics of the time, Treason by the Book offers insights into the struggles for power and the consequences of political intrigue in modern Asia.
Official synopsis Publisher
In 1728 a stranger handed a letter to Governor Yue calling on him to lead a rebellion against the Manchu rulers of China. Feigning agreement he learnt the details of the plot and immediately informed the Emperor Yongzheng. The ringleaders were captured with ease forced to recant and to the confusion and outrage of the public spared.
Drawing on an enormous wealth of documentary evidence – over a hundred and fifty secret documents between the Emperor and his agents are stored in Chinese archives – Jonathan Spence has recreated this revolt of the scholars in fascinating and chilling detail. It is a story of unwordly dreams of a better world and the facts of bureaucratic power of the mind of an Emperor and of the uses of his mercy.
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