Qingyun Wu's work is a unique discovery in literary studies in the West: Chinese utopian literature paired with its English counterparts form an original and valuable contribution to world literature. In widely varying historical and cultural texts that span the last five centuries, Wu analyses the theme of female rule, including critique of patriarchy and emphasising a vision for women. Writers whose works are examined include Edward Spenser, Luo Maodeng, Florence Dixie, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Ursula K. Le Guin, Chen Duansheng, Li Ruzhen and Bai Hua.