Soulstealers: The Chinese Sorcery Scare of 1768
Philip A. Kuhn's 'Soulstealers' recounts the 1768 sorcery scare in China, where fears of soulstealing sorcery ignited widespread panic across the Qing empire. Through meticulous historical examination, the book uncovers how these events exposed vulnerabilities in imperial authority and societal beliefs, offering a window into 18th-century Chinese life.
About This Book
In 'Soulstealers: The Chinese Sorcery Scare of 1768,' Philip A. Kuhn examines a pivotal episode in Qing dynasty history. The book focuses on the widespread panic over alleged soulstealing practices that unsettled the empire.
Drawing from historical records, Kuhn illustrates how rumors of sorcery spread rapidly, leading to official investigations and public hysteria. This event highlights the tensions between folklore, governance, and social order in 18th-century China.
The narrative provides insight into the mechanisms of fear and control within imperial society. Kuhn's analysis reveals the broader implications for understanding Chinese cultural and political dynamics during that era.
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