Local Government in China under the Ch'ing (Harvard East Asian Monographs)

This book attempts to analyze the structure and function of local government at the 'zhou' and 'xian' levels during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). These lowest levels of administration dealt directly with the everyday activities of the people. However, Chu never clearly identifies them beyond referring to them as "department" (zhou) and "district" (xian). 'Zhou' in its modern usage commonly refers to a state or prefecture, however in former times I assume it referred to a sub-prefecture administration (possibly a region consisting of many towns and villiages within a prefecture). 'Xian' can be considered a county (the same as in the modern usage). This book attempts to describe, analyze, and interpret the structure and functioning of local government at the chou and hsien levels in the Ch'ing dynasty. It contains an introduction, ten chapters, conclusion, notes, index, bibliography, and glossary. Tʻung-tsu Chʻü. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. I-[xxv] (2nd Set)