True to Her WordThis path breaking book examines the broad cultural, social, and gender meanings of the "faithful maiden" cult in late imperial China (13681911). Across the empire, an increasing number of young women or "faithful maidens," defied their parents' wishes and chose either to live out their lives as widows upon the death of a fianc or killed themselves to join their fianc in death. The book analyzes the familial conflicts, government policies, ideological