A highly original exploration of an aspect of early twentieth-century Chinese history that has too long lacked full-scale treatment. The research is always impressive and the work is pioneering.

Ernest P. Young, University of Michigan

A fascinating study of peasants in relation to modern state-building projects. Ambitious in its sweep and rich in detail, it offers new ways to think about the complexities of the Chinese revolution and the history of the subaltern classes.

Partha Chatterjee, Columbia University

This book is an important contribution to the current literature on rural violence in the history of late imperial China. Prazniak has produced a well-researched study of peasant resistance in various parts of early twentieth-century China. Rich in insightful detail, highly readable and informative, this book is destined to become essential reading for those interested in peasant protests and popular uprisings in China and other parts of the world.

Joseph Tse-Hei Lee, Journal Of Parapsychology

Makes a positive contribution to understanding peasant protests during the last decade (c. 1900-1910) of Imperial China.

E. H. Kaplan, Western Washington University, Choice Reviews

In the first detailed monograph in English on rural protests against the Qing New Policy state building reforms of 1901–11, Prazniak examines the behavior of many people like the Camel King and reflects on the significance of their collective action. . . . Prazniak offers a wealth of stimulating observations on village social dynamics in her five case studies.

Journal of Asian Studies

A valuable historical work. . . . The author offers a fascinating description of the struggles of farmers against the constitutional reform of the late Qing government.

Cai Shaoqing, Nanjing University