A witty, globe-trotting tale of a displaced Chinese emperor, set against a gilded English backdrop and a traveling party of eccentric friends.
In this witty historical novel, a wealthy English narrator and his circle—a flamboyant Irish companion, a learned but restless scholar, and a mysterious Cathayan monarch—set sail for distant shores. What begins as light banter and high-spirited travel soon threads together political intrigue, cultural collisions, and a quietly haunting past. The book blends social satire with intimate portraits of ambition, friendship, and the weight of empire, all told with brisk dialogue and vivid period detail.
As the voyage unfolds, the group encounters churchmen, aristocrats, and curious locals, while the Emperor reflects on power, loyalty, and the costs of kingship far from his homeland. The narrative moves between ships, estates, and a gallery of memorable personalities, weaving together humor, mood, and a sense of inevitable consequence.
Ideal for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a satirical edge, memorable characters, and a voyage that doubles as a meditation on power and belonging.
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Seller: Forgotten Books, London, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. Embark on an extraordinary voyage into the depths of history and intrigue with this captivating book. The author takes readers back to the heart of the Far East in the late 19th century, a time of political and social upheaval. This book focuses on a group of Western travelers who find themselves entangled in the complex web of power and tradition in Cathay, an enigmatic and isolated empire. As the travelers navigate the unfamiliar landscape, they encounter enigmatic characters and witness firsthand the clash between ancient customs and the encroaching forces of modernity. Along the way, they uncover secrets, explore the depths of human nature, and grapple with the complexities of cultural identity in a world on the brink of change. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9780243552405_0
Quantity: Over 20 available
Seller: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9780243552405
Seller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9780243552405
Quantity: 15 available