On to Pekin; or, Old Glory in China

A fresh-faced lieutenant, fresh from the Philippines, receives an unexpected order: join an international force marching into a China roiled by the Boxer uprising. Alongside soldiers from Europe, Japan and the United States, he is thrust into a volatile landscape where missionaries, diplomats and locals clash in a fevered struggle for control. The early chapters follow his hurried departure, the tense voyage across the sea, and the sudden roar of artillery as the allied fleet attacks the fortified Taku forts.

The narrative captures the chaos of battle with vivid, ground‑level detail—smoke‑filled rivers, gritty hand‑to‑hand combat, and moments of uneasy camaraderie among men from vastly different nations. As the lieutenant navigates unfamiliar customs and the stark realities of war, his youthful determination is tested against both fierce opposition and the bewildering rhythms of a foreign culture.

Written in a brisk, accessible style and complemented by period illustrations, the story offers listeners a compelling mix of adventure and historical insight, perfect for anyone curious about the early days of the Boxer Rebellion and the soldiers who fought there.