| This famous reference work is intended to depict life in the Court of Peking from the middle of the sixteenth century and the beginning of the decline of the Ming Court, to the end of the nineteenth century and the demise of the Manchu Court. The authors attempt to elucidate relationships in the Court, between the court and the government, and causes of national growth and decay. All of the major political figures of this period are included in this work with many quotes allegedly from their own writings on the events of their day. |