From the lost papers of Dr.Cornelius Mucus (Vienna), eminent Sinologist, preserved for posterity by the astonishing memory of Murr

Notes on Chinese history

Chinese history is full of interesting parallels and strange symbolic echoes…

1644, end of the Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, isolated from his people, a virtual prisoner to etiquette and tradition inside the Forbidden City, is prey to the machinations of the hordes of eunuchs who run the country and the court, basically for their own ends. Meanwhile, the war-like Manchus are pouring in over the passes, and the warlords from the provinces encroach on the city…

1911, end of the Ching Dynasty. The Dowager Empress and her crew, virtual prisoners to etiquette and tradition inside the Forbidden City, are prey to the machinations of the hordes of eunuchs who run the country and the court, basically for their own ends. Meanwhile, the European and Japanese Imperial powers make more and more outrageous demands for concessions, and the Young Chinese are agitating for revolution…

1975, end of Mao’s rule. The Chairman, isolated from his people inside the Forbidden City, a virtual prisoner to the climate of fear created by his own purges, is prey to the machinations of his bodyguards, medical teams and the two uber bitches: Jiang Ching and Zhang Yu Feng. Meanwhile, party dignitaries jostle for the succession, and the securing of Mao’s legacy…

1912 one George Morrison, an Australian chancer who cannot speak or read
Chinese, is the political advisor to the new ruler of the country, President Yuan Shi Kai, who cannot speak or read English…

1933 one William Donald, an Australian chancer who cannot speak or read
Chinese, is the political advisor to the new ruler of the country, President Chiang Kai Shek, who cannot speak or read English…