臺灣外紀

A vivid chronicle unfolds the turbulent years when the Qing court turned its gaze toward the distant island of Taiwan. Drawing on official reports, battlefield accounts and personal testimonies, the narrative follows the imperial drive to subdue the Zheng clan, the maritime power that had turned the island into a stronghold after the fall of the Ming. Readers hear the clash of strategies, the intrigue of court officials, and the resolve of local leaders as they each navigate loyalty, ambition and survival.

The work offers a richly detailed portrait of the era’s politics, military logistics and cultural tensions, presenting the early stages of Taiwan’s incorporation into the empire with striking immediacy. Through the eyes of soldiers, scholars and civilians, the story reveals how orders from the throne met the harsh realities of coastal warfare and remote governance. It captures the spirit of a contested frontier, inviting listeners to explore a pivotal moment in East Asian history.