Wu Tingfang (1842-1922) was a contemporary of Li Hongzhang, Yuan Shikai, Hei and Sun Yixian (Sun Yat-sen), all of whom were involved in China's attempt at reform and modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During his time, Wu was a prominent political figure, participating actively in public service and political activities in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou. This book is a biography of Wu, and sheds considerable light on a crucial period in Chinese history.