Soulstealers by Philip A. Kuhn

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.

The 5971st greatest book of all time


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Published
1990
Nationality
American
Length
Medium
Pages
300-350
Original Language
English
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