Delving into the largely overlooked history of Chinese piracy from the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries, the book presents a comprehensive narrative through a wealth of primary sources. It gives voice to pirates, their victims, and officials, allowing these previously silenced figures to share their experiences and perspectives. This unique approach provides readers with an in-depth understanding of the scale and impact of piracy during this era, highlighting its significance on a global scale.
Rats, Cats, Rogues, and Heroes reveals China's history and culture through the
eyes of ordinary men and women using an interdisciplinary perspective that
incorporates history, anthropology, folk studies, and literature to examine
the sociocultural and symbolic worlds of gangsters, sorcerers, and prostitutes
in late imperial and modern China.
In the waters around China, the "golden age of piracy" stretched for nearly three centuries from the mid-sixteenth to early-nineteenth centuries. Over those years, there was an unprecedented advance in Chinese piracy unsurpassed in size and scope anywhere else in the world. This book uses primary source documents to uncover the history of "dwarf bandits," "sea rebels," and "ocean bandits."
The concept of “silk roads” evokes images of ancient trade routes connecting China to the world. Recent shifts in the study of Chinese maritime history have led to the title Beyond the Silk Roads, reflecting contemporary trends that extend beyond mere trade discussions. Scholars from China and around the globe, including historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, geographers, sociologists, and political scientists, are engaging with this dynamic field. Drawing on new documentary, literary, archaeological, and ethnographic research, the authors investigate the diverse topics encompassed by maritime history and culture. Employing interdisciplinary and multi-linguistic approaches, the chapters present innovative insights into China’s role in East Asian maritime history. Topics covered include marine archaeology, port cities, sailing routes, trade and cultural networks, nautical technology, folklore, diasporas, maritime law, coastal defense, piracy, smuggling, and religious practices. This volume aims to inspire further research and dialogue on maritime history in general, with a specific focus on Asian maritime history.
