The Tribulations of a Chinaman in China

by Jules Verne

Overview

Kin-Fo, a well to do Chinese man living in Shang-Hai, is accused by his good friend Wang of not having had any discomforts in his life that would make him appreciate true happiness. When Kin-Fo, receives news that his fortune is lost, he arranges for an insurance policy to be taken out on his life that would cover his death, even by suicide; which he is planning on committing. When Kin-Fo can't bring himself to end his own life, he contracts Wang to do it, by even giving him a letter that will exonerate him of the deed. Then Wang disappears and then Kin-Fo feels much discomfort, especially when he is informed that his fortunes are not lost. He travels around China, hoping to avoid being murdered before the contract expires. His discomfort increases when a note from Wang arrives saying that he regrets not being able to fulfill the contract, so he has turned it over to his old friend Lao-Shen, a notorious character.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781589631991
Publisher:	International Law and Taxation Publishers
Publication date:	04/01/2001
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	5.04(w) x 8.02(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Widely regarded as the father of modern science fiction, Jules Verne (1828-1905) wrote more than seventy books and created hundreds of memorable characters. His most popular novel, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, is not only a brilliant piece of scientific prophecy, but also a thrilling story with superb, subtle characterizations.

Date of Birth:

February 8, 1828

Date of Death:

March 24, 1905

Place of Birth:

Nantes, France

Place of Death:

Amiens, France

Education:

Nantes lycée and law studies in Paris

Table of Contents

Chapter I.	In which the Peculiarities and Nationality of the Personages are gradually revealed	1
Chapter II.	In which Kin-Fo and the Philosopher are more fully described	14
Chapter III.	In which the Reader, without Fatigue, can glance over the City of Shang-hai	26
Chapter IV.	In which Kin-Fo receives an Important Letter, which is Eight Days behind Time	36
Chapter V.	In which Le-ou receives a Letter which she would rather not have received	49
Chapter VI.	Which will, perhaps, make the Reader desire to visit the Offices of the "Centenary"	58
Chapter VII.	Which would be very Sad if it did not treat of Ways and Customs peculiar to the Celestial Empire	69
Chapter VIII.	In which Kin-Fo makes a Serious Proposition to Wang, which the Latter no less seriously accepts	82
Chapter IX.	The Conclusion of which, however Singular it may be, perhaps will not surprise the Reader	89
Chapter X.	In which Craig and Fry are officially presented to the New Patron of the Centenary	101
Chapter XI.	In which Kin-Fo becomes the most Celebrated Man in the Central Empire	109
Chapter XII.	In which Kin-Fo, his Two Acolytes, and his Valet start on an Adventure	121
Chapter XIII.	In which is heard the Celebrated Lament called "The Five Periods in the Life of a Centenarian"	136
Chapter XIV.	In which the Visitor, without Fatigue, can travel through Four Cities by visiting only One	149
Chapter XV.	Which certainly contains a Surprise for Kin-Fo, and perhaps for the Reader	164
Chapter XVI.	In which Kin-Fo, who is still a Bachelor, begins to travel again in earnest	177
Chapter XVII.	In which Kin-Fo's Market Value is Once more Uncertain	188
Chapter XVIII.	In which Craig and Fry, urged by Curiosity, visit the Hold of the "Sam-Yep"	202
Chapter XIX.	Which does not finish well, either for Capt. Yin, the Commander of the "Sam-Yep," or for her Crew	215
Chapter XX.	In which it will be seen to what Dangers Men are exposed who use Capt. Boyton's Nautical Apparatus	229
Chapter XXI.	In which Craig and Fry see the Moon rise with Extreme Satisfaction	244
Chapter XXII.	Which the Reader might have written himself, it ends in so Surprising a Way	258