Fu Manchu

Denis Nayland Smith in The Mask Of Dr Fu Manchu

The Mask of Fu Manchu by Sax Rohmer - Illustration by Ron Lesser - Pyramid Books F-740 1962

Dr Fu Manchu I W Publishing

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Coalition of Asians to Nix Charlie Chan members picketing The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu

[[File: Fu Manchu is a fictional character introduced in a series of novels by British author Sax Rohmer during the early 20th century. The character has since become an archetype of the evil criminal genius, while also embodying the Western literary trope of the "Yellow Peril." Fu Manchu is a Chinese mastermind who seeks to dominate the world, using a combination of his own scientific knowledge, his ability to command loyalty and fear, and a network of loyal followers.

Character Overview

Fu Manchu is described as a tall, lean man of extraordinary intelligence, with a deep knowledge of poisons and a penchant for sadism. His physical appearance, with a bald head, long moustache, and traditional Chinese dress, contributes to his menacing persona. He is often seen as the embodiment of the Western fears of the inscrutable East, a theme prevalent in the literature and cinema of the early 20th century.

Literary History

The character first appeared in the novel The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu (1913), published in the UK, and was serialized in the United States as The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu. The series spanned over a dozen books, with the last one, Emperor Fu Manchu, published posthumously in 1959. Rohmer's portrayal of Fu Manchu was criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes, but the character's popularity endured, influencing numerous adaptations in other media.

Adaptations

Fu Manchu has been adapted into films, television series, radio dramas, and comic books. Notably, the character was portrayed by actors such as Boris Karloff and Christopher Lee in various film adaptations during the mid-20th century. These adaptations often played up the exotic and villainous aspects of the character, sometimes diverging significantly from Rohmer's original portrayal.

Cultural Impact

The character of Fu Manchu has been the subject of controversy and criticism for its racial stereotyping and the perpetuation of the "Yellow Peril" mythos. Despite this, Fu Manchu remains a significant figure in the history of crime and mystery literature, illustrating the complexities of cultural representation and the impact of literary characters beyond their original contexts.

See Also

• Sax Rohmer
• Yellow Peril
• The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu
• Emperor Fu Manchu