'We made your unions, we built your democracy ... we are in your limestone, in your clay'. An opium-addicted emigre from Guangdong in the Victorian gold rush era; first published in serial form in the 'Chinese Times', Melbourne, June 1909-December 1910; parallel Chinese English text for the novel; biography of the author by Michael Williams, historical introduction by Me-fen Kuo and Michael Williams; translated and introduction by Ely Finch who has inscribed this copy to Barry Humphries in the year of publication.