Thomas Torrance, China and the Qiang

Through his letters and articles Thomas Torrance provides us with unique insights into the demise of the Qing dynasty, the turmoil of China's Republican period, and the rise of Communism, introducing us to a broad array of characters from Republican generals to young left-wing firebrands, to various ethnic groups of western Sichuan, and to his own young family, growing up in the heart of Chengdu. As his friendships develop among the Qiang people of western Sichuan, we are also given a window into Qiang culture of the early 20th century, and a glimpse back to the Han dynasty, when the Qiang people were scattered across Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan.