1878. This is an account of the life of Yakoob Beg, a soldier of fortune, who, without birth, power, or even any great amount of genius, constructed an independent rule in Central Asia and maintained it against many adversaries during the space of 12 years. But, while he was an able and courageous man, his internal policy was marred by his severity and the system of terrorism he adopted. It is also intended to make the reader aware of the great merits of China as a governing power. Beg's place in history helps to illustrate this point. Contents: Geographical Description of Kashgar, Ethnographical Description of Kashgar, History of Kashgar, The Conquest of Kashgar by China, the Chinese Rule in Kashgar, The Birth of Yakoob Beg and Career in the Service of Khokand, The Invasion of Kashgar by Buzurg Khan and Yakoob Beg, Wars with the Tungani, Yakoob Beg's Government of Kashgar, Yakoob Beg's Policy Towards Russia, Yakoob Beg's Relations with England, Yakoob Beg's Last War with China, and Death, The Chinese Reconquest of Kashgar, and The Chinese Factor in the Central Asian Question.