作者： Robert K. Douglas
【內容簡介 / Synopsis】
This authoritative biography provides a deep dive into the life of Li Hungchang, one of the most consequential Chinese statesmen of the 19th century. Part of the Public Men of To-Day international series, the work analyzes Li's critical role during the Taiping Rebellion, his diplomatic navigation with Western powers, and his influence on China's industrial modernization.
本書是一部關於 19 世紀中國最具影響力政治家之一——李鴻章的權威傳記。作為「當代風雲人物」國際系列叢書之一，本書深入剖析了李鴻章在太平天國運動中的關鍵角色、與西方列強的外交博弈，以及他在推動中國工業現代化進程中的影響力。
【歷史背景與重要性 / Historical Background & Significance】
Published in 1895 by Bliss, Sands and Foster, this volume offers a unique contemporary perspective on a figure central to late-Qing dynasty politics. Notably, author Robert K. Douglas, a scholar from the British Museum, highlights the historical challenge of documenting a Chinese statesman’s private life due to the scarcity of personal diaries and correspondence available to researchers at the time.
本書由 Bliss, Sands and Foster 於 1895 年出版，提供了研究清末政治核心人物極為罕見的當代視角。值得注意的是，身為大英博物館學者的作者羅伯特·道格拉斯，在書中明確點出了當時紀錄中國政治家私人生活的難處，原因是當時研究者難以獲取足夠的私人日記與信件作為一手史料。
【書本狀態 / Condition Report】
This 1895 first edition is bound in red cloth with gold-lettered spine and the publisher's emblem on the back. It includes an original frontispiece portrait of Li Hungchang. The text block is intact, reflecting its era of publication.
此書為 1895 年首版，採用紅色布面裝幀，書脊帶有燙金字樣，封底印有出版社標誌。書中配有李鴻章肖像前頁。內頁裝訂結構完整，保留了該出版時期的質感。
【傳承紀錄 / Provenance】
Formerly part of the library collection of the Oldham Industrial Co-operative Society, Limited. The volume retains library stamps, administrative rules, and the handwritten signature of "B. Watkins" on the front endpapers.
本書曾為 Oldham Industrial Co-operative Society, Limited 之館藏。扉頁保留了該館的圖書館戳記、圖書館管理規則條文，以及 Bill Watkins 的親筆簽名「B. Watkins」。
