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To Change China: Western Advisers in China
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To Change China: Western Advisers in China Paperback - 2002

by Jonathan D. Spence

As a new era of relations between China and the United States begins, the tales in this volume illuminate the folly of foreign missionaries, soldiers, doctors, and others who foolishly believed they could transform the religious and cultural traditions of this vast, enigmatic country.


Summary

From “the best known and most talented historian of China writing in English today” (Los Angeles Times), an examination of a diverse collection of Western foreigners who attempted “to change China”
 
"To change China" was the goal of foreign missionaries, soldiers, doctors, teachers, engineers, and revolutionaries for more than three hundred years. But the Chinese, while eagerly accepting Western technical advice, clung steadfastly to their own religious and cultural traditions. As a new era of relations between China and the United States begins, the tales in this volume will serve as cautionary histories for businessmen, diplomats, students, or any other foreigners who foolishly believe that they can transform this vast, enigmatic country.

From the publisher

From "the best known and most talented historian of China writing in English today" (Los Angeles Times), an examination of a diverse collection of Western foreigners who attempted "to change China" "To change China" was the goal of foreign missionaries, soldiers, doctors, teachers, engineers, and revolutionaries for more than three hundred years. But the Chinese, while eagerly accepting Western technical advice, clung steadfastly to their own religious and cultural traditions. As a new era of relations between China and the United States begins, the tales in this volume will serve as cautionary histories for businessmen, diplomats, students, or any other foreigners who foolishly believe that they can transform this vast, enigmatic country.

First line

On July 29, in the year 1644, Adam Schall, a Jesuit missionary residing in the city of Peking, sent a formal petition to the Emperor of China.

Details

  • Title To Change China: Western Advisers in China
  • Author Jonathan D. Spence
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition [ Edition: Repri
  • Pages 352
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Books, New York
  • Date April 30, 2002
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780140055283 / 0140055282
  • Weight 0.53 lbs (0.24 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.56 x 5.24 x 0.64 in (19.20 x 13.31 x 1.63 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Library of Congress subjects China - Relations - Foreign countries, China - Civilization - Western influences
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 79024544
  • Dewey Decimal Code 301.295

Media reviews

Praise for To Change China:
 
“Serious historical entertainment at its best.”
The New York Times Book Review
 
“A fascinating book . . . Mr. Spence has given these careers fascinating first-person detail. He is a skilled craftsman.”
The New York Review of Books

About the author

Jonathan Spence (1936-2021): Was the author of more than a dozen well-regarded books "which illuminate China's vast history through details that illuminated bigger pictures and themes. (The New York Times)" including The Gate of Heavenly Peace, Treason by the Book, and The Death of Woman Wang. His awards include a Guggenheim and a MacArthur Fellowship. He was Sterling Professor of History at Yale University from 1993 to 2008.
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