The Shanghai Taotai: Linkage Man in a Changing Society, 1843-90

This is a study of the circuit intendant or taotai under the Ch'ing, particularly the Shanghai taotai. It examines the institutional and historical settings within which the taotai operated and traces the development of the Shanghai taotai office from 1730 through the nineteenth century. The focus of investigation is in examining the adjustment of functions and responsibilities of the taotai and his changing role in the post-Opium War era, particularly in the contexts of foreign relations, modernisation, and local politics. Central to the author's interpretation is the concept of "linkage man" or "linkage position". The Shanghai taotai as a "linkage man" provides vital connection and channel of communication and interaction between two or more separate worlds or value systems and often works as a conflict manager.