Help
This post has been edited by Yun: 10 October 2005 - 08:22 PM
Loading
Jonathan D. Spence
anyone read his books?
Rate Topic:
#1
- Grand Guardian (Taibao 太保)
-
- Group: CHF Beginner
- Posts: 222
- Joined: 17-June 05
- Location:Greensburgh Pennsylvania
- Interests:Video games and digital art<br /><br />Reading, watching movies, history.<br /><br />And above all else not sleeping
Posted 09 October 2005 - 05:46 PM
I was curious if anyone has read some of the books he has written. I currently have Treason By the Book, and I would like to buy several others he has written, but as i havent had time to read the one i have yet, i was curious what anyone else has to say about his books?
#2
- Grand Mentor (Taishi 太师)
-
- Group: Entry Scholar (Xiucai)
- Posts: 528
- Joined: 10-March 05
- Location:San Diego, California, USA
- Interests:jwrevak (James W. Revak) has had a passionate interest in Chinese history and culture since he was a child. As a young adult he studied such classics as the Confucian Analects 倫語, I Ching 易經, and Tao Te Ching 道德經. With regard to Chinese culture, he is especially interested in early Confucianism and is currently teaching himself literary Chinese 文言. He is also fascinated by the history of Chinese science and technology and the Qing dynasty. His other passions include Ancient Greece, the Italian Renaissance, Western Esotericism, modern European history, and Western opera and drama. <br /><br />James holds a B.S. in music, an M.S. in business administration, and the Cambridge Certificate for English Language Teaching to Adults (Cambridge CELTA). He is a native of the United States and of Hungarian and Swedish descent. A long-time resident of San Diego, California, he teaches English as a second language there and works as a docent for the San Diego Opera. With Michael Conley, he is the co-author of the play Out for Love.
-
Main Interest in CHF:
Chinese Philosophy
-
Specialisation / Expertise:
Confucianism, Analects of Confucius
Posted 09 October 2005 - 10:28 PM
Tsukiyono, on Oct 9 2005, 03:46 PM, said:
I was curious if anyone has read some of the books he has written. I currently have Treasons of the Book, and I would like to buy several others he has written, but as i havent had time to read the one i have yet, i was curious what anyone else has to say about his books?
I have read In Search of Modern China, a history of China from the late Song through recent times. I have also read God's Chiense Son, a history of the Tai Ping movement and its founder, Hong. I recommend both.
JAMES W. REVAK
子張曰君子尊賢而容眾嘉善而矜不能
Zizhang said, The superior man honors the wise and tolerates the
common man, praises the virtuous and has compassion for the incapable.
子張曰君子尊賢而容眾嘉善而矜不能
Zizhang said, The superior man honors the wise and tolerates the
common man, praises the virtuous and has compassion for the incapable.
#3
- County Magistrate (Xianling 县令)
-
- Group: CHF Beginner
- Posts: 6
- Joined: 21-June 05
Posted 10 October 2005 - 01:33 PM
I read In Search of Modern China as well, and also his small biography on Mao
I can recommend both for a good reading.
search for modern china is really well written and structured
I can recommend both for a good reading.
search for modern china is really well written and structured
#4
- Sage-King
-
- Group: CHF Han Lin Scholar
- Posts: 9,057
- Joined: 30-May 04
- Gender:Male
- Location:Singapore/USA
- Interests:Ancient Chinese history, with a focus on the Age of Fragmentation. Chinese ethnicities, religion, philosophy, music, and art and material culture. Military history in general.
-
Main Interest in CHF:
Chinese History
-
Specialisation / Expertise:
Three Kingdoms, Age of Fragmentation, Sui-Tang
Posted 10 October 2005 - 08:21 PM
I've read:
Treason by the Book
God's Chinese Son
Chinese Roundabout (a collection of his essays)
In Search of Modern China
Emperor of China (one of his earlier books - a sort of autobiography of the Kangxi emperor)
He's an excellent writer, which is why his books always get on bestseller lists, unlike other Chinese historians. But he fictionalizes or dramatizes his accounts of history to some extent to make them more novelistic - for example, he pretends that we know what a certain person was really thinking or feeling, when we actually have no evidence. For that reason some academics feel that he has sacrificed professionalism for popular appeal.
Treason by the Book
God's Chinese Son
Chinese Roundabout (a collection of his essays)
In Search of Modern China
Emperor of China (one of his earlier books - a sort of autobiography of the Kangxi emperor)
He's an excellent writer, which is why his books always get on bestseller lists, unlike other Chinese historians. But he fictionalizes or dramatizes his accounts of history to some extent to make them more novelistic - for example, he pretends that we know what a certain person was really thinking or feeling, when we actually have no evidence. For that reason some academics feel that he has sacrificed professionalism for popular appeal.
The dead have passed beyond our power to honour or dishonour them, but not beyond our ability to try and understand.
#5
- Grand Guardian (Taibao 太保)
-
- Group: CHF Beginner
- Posts: 222
- Joined: 17-June 05
- Location:Greensburgh Pennsylvania
- Interests:Video games and digital art<br /><br />Reading, watching movies, history.<br /><br />And above all else not sleeping
Posted 11 October 2005 - 03:03 PM
Yun, on Oct 10 2005, 08:21 PM, said:
I've read:
Treason by the Book
God's Chinese Son
Chinese Roundabout (a collection of his essays)
In Search of Modern China
Emperor of China (one of his earlier books - a sort of autobiography of the Kangxi emperor)
He's an excellent writer, which is why his books always get on bestseller lists, unlike other Chinese historians. But he fictionalizes or dramatizes his accounts of history to some extent to make them more novelistic - for example, he pretends that we know what a certain person was really thinking or feeling, when we actually have no evidence. For that reason some academics feel that he has sacrificed professionalism for popular appeal.
Treason by the Book
God's Chinese Son
Chinese Roundabout (a collection of his essays)
In Search of Modern China
Emperor of China (one of his earlier books - a sort of autobiography of the Kangxi emperor)
He's an excellent writer, which is why his books always get on bestseller lists, unlike other Chinese historians. But he fictionalizes or dramatizes his accounts of history to some extent to make them more novelistic - for example, he pretends that we know what a certain person was really thinking or feeling, when we actually have no evidence. For that reason some academics feel that he has sacrificed professionalism for popular appeal.
Ahhh... i havent had a chance to read "Treason By The Book" yet. but i have glanced at it, and it did seem to come off novelish. I will check into more of his books though, as even so, it seems he is highly recommended. I will just have to try to keep perspective, and to take things as they are, partial truth, partial fact, i will just need to find out for myself which is which
Thanks all
#6
- Commissioner (Shi Chijie 使持节)
-
- Group: Entry Scholar (Xiucai)
- Posts: 77
- Joined: 13-November 05
Posted 16 November 2005 - 04:34 AM
I read "God's Chinese Son", it was very well written one on the Taiping Rebellion.
#7
- State Undersecretary (Shangshu Lang 尚书郎)
-
- Group: Entry Scholar (Xiucai)
- Posts: 608
- Joined: 29-January 06
- Gender:Female
- Location:Wellington, New Zealand
-
Main Interest in CHF:
Chinese History
-
Specialisation / Expertise:
ah, let's take a moment and think... ^_~
Posted 03 February 2006 - 08:26 PM
Yun, on Oct 11 2005, 02:21 PM, said:
I've read:
Treason by the Book
God's Chinese Son
Chinese Roundabout (a collection of his essays)
In Search of Modern China
Emperor of China (one of his earlier books - a sort of autobiography of the Kangxi emperor)
He's an excellent writer, which is why his books always get on bestseller lists, unlike other Chinese historians. But he fictionalizes or dramatizes his accounts of history to some extent to make them more novelistic - for example, he pretends that we know what a certain person was really thinking or feeling, when we actually have no evidence. For that reason some academics feel that he has sacrificed professionalism for popular appeal.
Treason by the Book
God's Chinese Son
Chinese Roundabout (a collection of his essays)
In Search of Modern China
Emperor of China (one of his earlier books - a sort of autobiography of the Kangxi emperor)
He's an excellent writer, which is why his books always get on bestseller lists, unlike other Chinese historians. But he fictionalizes or dramatizes his accounts of history to some extent to make them more novelistic - for example, he pretends that we know what a certain person was really thinking or feeling, when we actually have no evidence. For that reason some academics feel that he has sacrificed professionalism for popular appeal.
i agree, ive read treason, it's not very good on the historical side.
淡极始知花更艳，愁多焉得玉无痕？
#8
- Prefect (Taishou 太守)
-
- Group: Entry Scholar (Xiucai)
- Posts: 15
- Joined: 20-March 06
- Location:Switzerland
Posted 26 March 2006 - 05:10 AM
Hmm... I've only read Emperor of China. I got the impression that it's mainly translated works, or am did I completely misunderstand the point?
Also, isn't Gods Chinese Son a history book, and f. e., Treason by the Book a novel? So does the former also contain purely speculative material?
Also, isn't Gods Chinese Son a history book, and f. e., Treason by the Book a novel? So does the former also contain purely speculative material?
#9
- State Undersecretary (Shangshu Lang 尚书郎)
-
- Group: Xiucai Exam Candidate
- Posts: 571
- Joined: 21-March 06
- Gender:Male
- Location:The Lost World of Atlantis.
-
Main Interest in CHF:
Chinese History
-
Specialisation / Expertise:
none
Posted 26 March 2006 - 07:57 PM
What is it's name in Chinese ??
"I am the punishment of God...
If you had not committed great sins,
God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you."
~~ The Great Genghis Khan.
If you had not committed great sins,
God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you."
~~ The Great Genghis Khan.
#10
- Grand Mentor (Taishi 太师)
-
- Group: Entry Scholar (Xiucai)
- Posts: 528
- Joined: 10-March 05
- Location:San Diego, California, USA
- Interests:jwrevak (James W. Revak) has had a passionate interest in Chinese history and culture since he was a child. As a young adult he studied such classics as the Confucian Analects 倫語, I Ching 易經, and Tao Te Ching 道德經. With regard to Chinese culture, he is especially interested in early Confucianism and is currently teaching himself literary Chinese 文言. He is also fascinated by the history of Chinese science and technology and the Qing dynasty. His other passions include Ancient Greece, the Italian Renaissance, Western Esotericism, modern European history, and Western opera and drama. <br /><br />James holds a B.S. in music, an M.S. in business administration, and the Cambridge Certificate for English Language Teaching to Adults (Cambridge CELTA). He is a native of the United States and of Hungarian and Swedish descent. A long-time resident of San Diego, California, he teaches English as a second language there and works as a docent for the San Diego Opera. With Michael Conley, he is the co-author of the play Out for Love.
-
Main Interest in CHF:
Chinese Philosophy
-
Specialisation / Expertise:
Confucianism, Analects of Confucius
Posted 27 March 2006 - 06:11 PM
Asharak, on Mar 26 2006, 02:10 AM, said:
Hmm... I've only read Emperor of China. I got the impression that it's mainly translated works, or am did I completely misunderstand the point?
Also, isn't Gods Chinese Son a history book, and f. e., Treason by the Book a novel? So does the former also contain purely speculative material?
Also, isn't Gods Chinese Son a history book, and f. e., Treason by the Book a novel? So does the former also contain purely speculative material?
I've read God's Chinese Son. My impression is that it is very much a history book.
JAMES W. REVAK
子張曰君子尊賢而容眾嘉善而矜不能
Zizhang said, The superior man honors the wise and tolerates the
common man, praises the virtuous and has compassion for the incapable.
子張曰君子尊賢而容眾嘉善而矜不能
Zizhang said, The superior man honors the wise and tolerates the
common man, praises the virtuous and has compassion for the incapable.
#11
- Military Commissioner (Jiedushi 节度使)
-
- Group: Entry Scholar (Xiucai)
- Posts: 92
- Joined: 10-December 05
- Location:Singapore
- Interests:History, literature, current affairs and good books!
Posted 27 March 2006 - 07:58 PM
Genghis_Khan, on Mar 27 2006, 08:57 AM, said:
What is it's name in Chinese ??
Emperor of China : self-portrait of K'ang Hsi
Chinese title - 中国皇帝 : 康熙自画像 / 史景迁著 ; 吴根友译.
Treason by the book
Chinese title - 皇帝与秀才 : 皇权游戏中的文人悲剧 / 史景迁著 ; 邱辛晔译.
#12
- Prefect (Taishou 太守)
-
- Group: Entry Scholar (Xiucai)
- Posts: 17
- Joined: 07-July 05
Posted 04 April 2006 - 05:05 AM
I'm half way through Treason, my second attempt at the book after very quickly going through it when it was first published.
I'm enjoying every word of it.
I'm enjoying every word of it.
This post has been edited by Strangelove: 04 April 2006 - 05:11 AM
#13
- Emperor (Huangdi 皇帝)
-
- Group: CHF Han Lin Scholar
- Posts: 3,810
- Joined: 17-June 04
-
Main Interest in CHF:
Chinese History
-
Specialisation / Expertise:
Chinese History, Chinese Military History, Qing dynasty history
Posted 04 April 2006 - 05:19 PM
I've read his
In Search of Modern China
Emperor of China
In search of China documentary collection
I really suggest the last one since its full of primary sources translated into English.
In Search of Modern China
Emperor of China
In search of China documentary collection
I really suggest the last one since its full of primary sources translated into English.
#14
- Vanguard of Zhan Guo (战国先锋)
-
- Group: CHF Beginner
- Posts: 2,711
- Joined: 31-May 04
- Location:Tucson, Arizona, US of A
- Interests:Upsetting regional imbalances
-
Main Interest in CHF:
Chinese History
-
Specialisation / Expertise:
Warring States Military, Chinese Sketches and Artwork
Posted 06 April 2006 - 02:55 AM
I actually used the documentary collection to search for the actual Chinese documenets. It was pretty exciting.
But Spence utlimately come out as a Fairbank school of Sinologist...well, that's according to Prof. Frederic Wakeman Jr. at least...
For the Ming-Qing transition I do suggest Wakeman though. Very exciting, detailed and full of anecdotes.
But Spence utlimately come out as a Fairbank school of Sinologist...well, that's according to Prof. Frederic Wakeman Jr. at least...
For the Ming-Qing transition I do suggest Wakeman though. Very exciting, detailed and full of anecdotes.
#15
- Grand Mentor (Taishi 太师)
-
- Group: Entry Scholar (Xiucai)
- Posts: 528
- Joined: 10-March 05
- Location:San Diego, California, USA
- Interests:jwrevak (James W. Revak) has had a passionate interest in Chinese history and culture since he was a child. As a young adult he studied such classics as the Confucian Analects 倫語, I Ching 易經, and Tao Te Ching 道德經. With regard to Chinese culture, he is especially interested in early Confucianism and is currently teaching himself literary Chinese 文言. He is also fascinated by the history of Chinese science and technology and the Qing dynasty. His other passions include Ancient Greece, the Italian Renaissance, Western Esotericism, modern European history, and Western opera and drama. <br /><br />James holds a B.S. in music, an M.S. in business administration, and the Cambridge Certificate for English Language Teaching to Adults (Cambridge CELTA). He is a native of the United States and of Hungarian and Swedish descent. A long-time resident of San Diego, California, he teaches English as a second language there and works as a docent for the San Diego Opera. With Michael Conley, he is the co-author of the play Out for Love.
-
Main Interest in CHF:
Chinese Philosophy
-
Specialisation / Expertise:
Confucianism, Analects of Confucius
Posted 07 April 2006 - 07:36 PM
Sephodwyrm, on Apr 6 2006, 12:55 AM, said:
I actually used the documentary collection to search for the actual Chinese documenets. It was pretty exciting.
But Spence utlimately come out as a Fairbank school of Sinologist...well, that's according to Prof. Frederic Wakeman Jr. at least...
For the Ming-Qing transition I do suggest Wakeman though. Very exciting, detailed and full of anecdotes.
But Spence utlimately come out as a Fairbank school of Sinologist...well, that's according to Prof. Frederic Wakeman Jr. at least...
For the Ming-Qing transition I do suggest Wakeman though. Very exciting, detailed and full of anecdotes.
JAMES W. REVAK
子張曰君子尊賢而容眾嘉善而矜不能
Zizhang said, The superior man honors the wise and tolerates the
common man, praises the virtuous and has compassion for the incapable.
子張曰君子尊賢而容眾嘉善而矜不能
Zizhang said, The superior man honors the wise and tolerates the
common man, praises the virtuous and has compassion for the incapable.
