
Set against the chaotic final years of the Ming dynasty, the story opens amid famine, rebellion and the looming threat of a Tartar invasion. In this turbulent China a charismatic sea‑chief, Chin‑Chi‑Loong, commands the most formidable fleet ever to sail its waters, trading with Japan, Siam and European powers while navigating the dangerous politics of emperor, rebels and invaders. His wealth and daring make him both a prized ally and a feared enemy, and his reputation spreads across the coast like legend.
The narrative then follows his spirited son, a young lad raised among the islands between Formosa and Fujian. Charged with a daring mission, he sets out on the open sea, confronting pirates, mysterious islands and the ever‑present clash of empires. Through vivid scenes of naval battles and bustling ports, listeners are treated to a lively portrait of a world where courage, commerce and destiny intertwine, inviting them to share in the early exploits of a future hero.
Full title
The War Tiger Or, Adventures and Wonderful Fortunes of the Young Sea Chief and His Lad Chow: A Tale of the Conquest of China
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (447K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2012-03-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1821–1875
A Victorian writer of adventure stories for young readers, he set his tales in places like China, Japan, Peru, and Ceylon. He also worked in journalism and served for a time as chief editor of the London Daily Telegraph.
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