Philip A. Kuhn
Philip A. Kuhn was a prominent American historian and sinologist known for his work on Chinese history, particularly during the Qing dynasty. He was a professor at Harvard University and made significant contributions to the understanding of Chinese society and governance.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Soulstealers
The Chinese Sorcery Scare of 1768
Set against the backdrop of 18th-century China, this historical narrative delves into the infamous "soulstealing" scare that swept through the Qing Dynasty. The book meticulously unravels the complex interplay of superstition, politics, and social unrest that fueled widespread panic over alleged sorcery and the theft of souls. Through a detailed examination of court records and personal accounts, it reveals how the fear of invisible threats was manipulated by the state to consolidate power, control the populace, and suppress dissent. The story offers a profound insight into the dynamics of fear and authority in a society on the brink of transformation.
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