The Middle Kingdom, Volume 1 (of 2) / A Survey of the Geography, Government, Literature, Social Life, Arts, and History of the Chinese Empire and its Inhabitants

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

57868

Title

The Middle Kingdom, Volume 1 (of 2) / A Survey of the Geography, Government, Literature, Social Life, Arts, and History of the Chinese Empire and its Inhabitants

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

S. Wells Williams presents a comprehensive survey of the Chinese Empire, detailing its geography, government, literature, social life, arts, and history. This foundational volume offers an in-depth look at the unique civilization that developed independently, exploring its vast dominions, distinctive language, and the complex hierarchy of its officials while emphasizing the nation's self-sufficiency and need for moral development.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Middle Kingdom, Volume 1,' S. Wells Williams presents a comprehensive survey of the Chinese Empire, describing it as one of history's most extensive dominions. The work highlights the nation's self-sufficiency, noting its diverse soil and climate allow it to produce everything necessary for its inhabitants without foreign aid. Williams traces the etymology of 'China' to the ancient Tsin family, whose rise to power around 250 B.C. led Western observers to apply their name to the entire realm. He also details indigenous designations like 'Tien Hia,' meaning 'Beneath the Sky.' The text provides an intricate breakdown of the imperial administration, emphasizing a system of mutual responsibility that binds the government's machinery. At the provincial level, authority is shared among governors-general, intendants, prefects, and district magistrates. The military structure includes commanders-in-chief overseeing both land and sea forces, while Manchu Bannermen serve as a check on civil authorities in key cities. Williams explains the rigorous examination systems for civil service and the significant revenue generated from salt monopolies and grain transport along the Yangtsz River. A substantial portion of the volume addresses linguistic challenges, adopting Morrison's Dictionary for pronunciation to standardize transliteration amidst historical discrepancies. Socially, Williams examines customs such as foot-binding and religious practices, observing a prevalence of superstition. He argues that while Chinese civilization has developed independently with unique institutions and literature, the nation stands in need of Christian principles to elevate its moral and political standing. Ultimately, the volume serves as both a geographical guide and a sociological study, aiming to foster understanding and promote the well-being of nations by imparting knowledge about China's condition and wants.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/57868.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg57868.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-08-20 14:28 UTC

Categories

• History
• Travel