In search of change: the reform of the Qing government after the First Sino-Japanese War, 1895-1899

Emperor Guangxu as a weak and indecisive puppet, Li’s research shows that the emperor had a mind of his own, was groomed to be a competent monarch and carried out his duties with sincerity. His daily drafting of practice edicts (though without any real authority) demonstrates how the emperor’s teachers, Weng Tonghe in particular, used these exercises not only to reaffirm traditional values, but also to instill knowledge of foreign affairs, treaties, and ideas associated with reform. For historians of the late Qing, this book may provide valuable insights into how to use and discern the numerous types of records from different archival and published collections. The research is top-notch and the presentation of materials follows a clear set of motives and research agenda. Stylistically, the book is highly readable and free of academic jargon. For these reasons, it should be read by all Qing historians and students interested in institutional and political history and should be translated into English to facilitate classroom use and research.