Treason by the Book
Treason by the Book, authored by Jonathan D. Spence and published by Allen Lane in 2001, presents a detailed account of a rebellion against the Manchu rulers of China in 1728. This edition, comprising 300 pages, delves into the events surrounding a plot initiated by a stranger who approached Governor Yue, leading to a complex interplay of loyalty, betrayal, and imperial authority. Spence utilizes a wealth of documentary evidence, including over a hundred and fifty secret documents from Chinese archives, to reconstruct this historical episode.
Readers will find an exploration of the themes of power dynamics and the consequences of rebellion, as well as insights into the mindset of Emperor Yongzheng. The narrative captures the tension between the aspirations for a better world and the harsh realities of bureaucratic governance. Through this examination, Spence sheds light on the cultural and historical context of the time, making it a significant contribution to the fields of biography, history, and military studies.
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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