Travels of a Consular Officer in North-West China

This book gives an account of several journeys the author undertook as part of an Anglo-Chinese investigation into opium cultivation and other matters requiring on-the-spot investigation with Chinese officials in the northwestern provinces of China during the early 1900s. Shensi and Kansu although not as well known as other provinces due to their isolation offer much to the visitor. The author accompanied by Chinese officials journeyed 4900 miles and recorded many details of their experiences. Following the 1911 revolution China was thrown into chaos a state of affairs that has continued until the present day. The author describes the violence accompanying the revolution: in one instance a massacre of the Manchus took place and another saw the sacking of cities by invading Muslim troops. Despite the difficulties of the journey and the unrest in the region the author presents a fascinating description of their experiences.