The Remainder of Life: A Social History of Qing Dynasty Eunuchs

Published by Hong Kong University Press in 2018, this book offers a comprehensive and detailed study of eunuchs in the Qing Dynasty. The research focuses not only on well-known grand eunuchs like Li Lianying and An Dehai, but also on the vast majority of ordinary, powerless eunuchs in the Qing palace. The author explores various aspects including their reasons for entering the palace, daily work, the functioning of the eunuch system, their entertainment and leisure, rewards and punishments, and their lives after retirement or death. Richly illustrated and supported by extensive historical materials, the book reconstructs the true lives of Qing dynasty eunuchs. Building upon existing research, the author introduces new perspectives and, utilizing a gender studies approach, provides valuable supplementary research on how eunuchs reintegrated into society after 1911 and how they were perceived by people at that time.