The French at Foochow (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

James F. Roche

9780267712113: The French at Foochow (Classic Reprint)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0267712111 ISBN 13: 9780267712113

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

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Eyewitness account of a dramatic siege and the rise of modern naval power in late Qing China.

This vivid narrative blends battlefield action with sharp observations on ships, fortifications, and the state of China’s armed forces just as foreign powers push for influence along the Foochow River. The account follows fleets, gunboats, and shore batteries through bombardments, explosions, and the wreckage left in the wake of conflict.

The text combines on-the-ground reporting with analysis of equipment, tactics, and leadership. It contrasts French and Chinese forces, details wreckage and survivals, and ends with reflections on China’s military reforms and the challenges of modernization. The tone is practical and contemporary, aiming to illuminate both a specific engagement and the broader state of naval affairs in China.

See precise accounts of ships, casualties, and material damage, including the Yang-woo, Duguay Troiin, Villars, and other vessels.
Learn how river batteries, junks, steam launches, and Hotchkiss shells shaped the fighting and the aftermath.
Explore insights into Chinese naval organization, fortifications, and the hurdles faced in modernization.
Understand the author’s perspective on the effectiveness of weaponry, armor, and leadership in this historical moment.

Ideal for readers of naval history, maritime warfare, and late imperial China who want a grounded, scene-driven view of a pivotal clash and its lasting implications.

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