The Last Days of Pekin
Pierre Loti
Read by Peter Tucker





The author was an officer in the French navy. This book is a compilation of his experiences when stationed in China in 1900 during and immediately after the Boxer Rebellion. It contains descriptions of the horrors of war, but more significantly a detailed description of the mysterious civilisation into which the occupying ("barbarian") forces intruded. The story is told with sympathy and admiration despite a degree of colonial chauvinism. (Summary by Peter Tucker) (6 hr 13 min)
Chapters
Author's Dedication and Translator's Note | 4:05 | Read by Peter Tucker |
Arrival in the Yellow Sea | 9:39 | Read by Peter Tucker |
At Ning-Hia | 10:09 | Read by Peter Tucker |
On the Way to Pekin - beginning | 51:41 | Read by Peter Tucker |
On the Way to Pekin - conclusion | 27:15 | Read by Peter Tucker |
In the Imperial City - beginning | 44:51 | Read by Peter Tucker |
In the Imperial City - continuation | 58:01 | Read by Peter Tucker |
In the Imperial City - conclusion | 42:41 | Read by Peter Tucker |
Return to Ning-Hia | 6:42 | Read by Peter Tucker |
Pekin in Springtime | 29:23 | Read by Peter Tucker |
The Tombs of the Emperors | 1:00:51 | Read by Peter Tucker |
The Last Days of Pekin | 28:37 | Read by Peter Tucker |
Reviews
Fascinating History





Linda in PNW
Mr. Peter Tucker is so good that I often felt like the actual officer was recounting his journey. The fabulous wealth against the dire poverty was so well depicted. I kept thinking that the 1900 Rebellion was against the wealthy nobles, but that wasn't it. The Boxer Rebellion appeared to be a last chance to rid the country of barbarians. The hatred against all non-Chinese was intense. The author values the history and treasures of the nobles, unlike how he depicts other invading armies. I do wonder if the immense treasure that WAS China has all been destroyed. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book.





A LibriVox Listener
Well read by a great reader Fascinating history around the Boxer Rebellion - did not realise how many nations were involved! A little arrogant from the French but they were an occupying army.