His book concentrates on the period of time from the rise of the Manchus in the first decades of the seventeenth century to the return of the Torghuts in the last half of the eighteenth century, an event with which, he says, “the steppe ended, and a great chapter in world history closed.” This comment points to a highly commendable feature of this sweeping and meticulous study: Perdue places the Qing march into central Asia squarely in the contexts both of Chinese and of world history.
His book examines the period spanning from the Manchus' rise in the mid-17th century to the Torghuts' return near the end of the 18th century. He notes that this event signifies “the steppe's conclusion, marking a pivotal chapter in world history.” This observation underscores an admirable quality of his comprehensive and detailed study: Perdue integrates the Qing’s expansion into Central Asia into both Chinese and global historical narratives.