ABSTRACT

The last work (referred to at the end of the previous chapter) also called Man-Shin kiji is not a novel but a chronicle tracing events, based upon stories of the day. From our present perspective, it contains historical material worthy of reference. In particular, the author collected a variety of manifestos and proclamations of the Taiping forces and of rebellious groups affiliated with them, material rarely found elsewhere. As a result, this work is frequently cited by Chinese scholars as well.