?variste R矇gis Huc (August 1, 1813- March 31, 1860) was a French missionary Catholic priest and traveller, famous for his accounts of China, Tartary and Tibet, in his book "A Journey Through the Chinese Empire". His works are written in a lucid, spicy, picturesque style, securing for them an unusual degree of popularity. However, his esteem for Tibetan manners and religion was not welcomed by his Church. He was unjustly suspected of sensationalizing his travels. Although a careful observer, he was by no means a practical geographer. The record of his travels lacks precise scientific data. The sequel, The Chinese Empire (1854) is a more comprehensive compendium of the religion, laws, usages and institutions of China, followed by a multi-volume history of Christianity in China and Central Asia. He gives many accounts of Chinese culture, and religion, including Christianity throughout the history of China. Abb矇 Huc stimulated European interest in Central Asia and blazed a trail for Asian studies. He died in 1860 at the age of 56.