• History of travel writing in China from earliest times to the Ming; outline of Xu Xiake's life; background to the history of the publication of Xu Xiake's diaries and examination of Xu's methodology and literary style; examination of Xu's language, with particular reference to the language of aesthetic appraisal; Xu's journey to South-West China; Xu and caves and mountains and the true motivations for Xu's travels.

'The first book-length study of Xu Xiake in English, this volume will surely be a welcome addition to university libraries ... Ward not only fills a gap in the literature, but also responds to the growing interest in China's frontiers and "minority" cultures. For this reason alone, Xu Xiake is sure to spark the interest of many readers. Given Xu Xiake's status in China, a book devoted to him is long overdue.' - Harvard Journal of Asian Studies 'An illuminating book, which conveys a lively impression of a remarkable individual.' - Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society

• History of travel writing in China from earliest times to the Ming; outline of Xu Xiake's life; background to the history of the publication of Xu Xiake's diaries and examination of Xu's methodology and literary style; examination of Xu's language, with particular reference to the language of aesthetic appraisal; Xu's journey to South-West China; Xu and caves and mountains and the true motivations for Xu's travels.

'The first book-length study of Xu Xiake in English, this volume will surely be a welcome addition to university libraries ... Ward not only fills a gap in the literature, but also responds to the growing interest in China's frontiers and "minority" cultures. For this reason alone, Xu Xiake is sure to spark the interest of many readers. Given Xu Xiake's status in China, a book devoted to him is long overdue.' - Harvard Journal of Asian Studies 'An illuminating book, which conveys a lively impression of a remarkable individual.' - Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society

• History of travel writing in China from earliest times to the Ming; outline of Xu Xiake's life; background to the history of the publication of Xu Xiake's diaries and examination of Xu's methodology and literary style; examination of Xu's language, with particular reference to the language of aesthetic appraisal; Xu's journey to South-West China; Xu and caves and mountains and the true motivations for Xu's travels.

'The first book-length study of Xu Xiake in English, this volume will surely be a welcome addition to university libraries ... Ward not only fills a gap in the literature, but also responds to the growing interest in China's frontiers and "minority" cultures. For this reason alone, Xu Xiake is sure to spark the interest of many readers. Given Xu Xiake's status in China, a book devoted to him is long overdue.' - Harvard Journal of Asian Studies 'An illuminating book, which conveys a lively impression of a remarkable individual.' - Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society