Beleaguered in Pekin: The Boxer's War Against the Foreigner

"Beleaguered in Peking: The Boxer's War Against the Foreigner" by Robert Coltman, Jr. is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book offers a detailed narrative of the Boxer Rebellion in China, focusing on the experiences and events surrounding the siege of the foreign legations in Beijing. Through the firsthand perspective of the author, who served as a surgeon during this tumultuous period, readers are introduced to the conflicts between foreign powers and the anti-foreign sentiment that intensified among the Chinese populace. The opening of the account sets the stage for the impending conflict by describing a riot at the Marco Polo Bridge, a pivotal moment that foreshadowed the violence to come. Coltman recounts his experience as a medical practitioner responding to injured individuals involved in the confrontation, showcasing the rising tensions marked by anti-foreign hostility. He presents the conflicting viewpoints of Chinese officials and foreign nationals, revealing the precarious political landscape that led to escalated violence and ultimately the siege. The author provides vivid descriptions of his encounters with both locals and military officials, effectively illustrating the precariousness of foreign lives in Beijing as the Boxer movement grew stronger.