Anyone familiar with modern Chinese history has surely heard of the renowned Yuan Shikai. In particular, when discussing the failure of the Xinhai Revolution, Yuan Shikai is an unavoidable central figure. Usurper, traitor, warlord of the Beiyang Army, reactionary who tried to restore the monarchy: these are the labels most people associate with him. Looking at the full course of Yuan Shikai’s life, from 1859 to 1916, this book reveals the many extraordinary aspects of his 57 years, building on what readers already know about him.
