The Last Days of Pekin
1902
History - European, History - Modern (1750+), Travel Writing
Translated by Myrta Leonora Jones
The Last Days of Pekin, written by Pierre Loti and first published in 1902, is a historical narrative detailing the author's experiences during the Boxer Rebellion in Beijing. Serving aboard a French warship, Loti offers a vivid portrayal of the military occupation and the cultural encounters with the Chinese people during this tumultuous period. The book captures the atmosphere of anticipation as Loti's ship approaches China, contrasting the beauty of the land with the chaos of war, making it a significant account of early 20th-century military history and cultural interaction.
