Through the looking glass : China's foreign journalists from opium wars to Mao /

This book sweeps through the interesting history of international journalists who covered news in China from about 1820 to 1949. The author of three previous books about Asia, French provides brief profiles of the American and European journalists who made reporting from China the plum of journalism beats--especially during the first half of the 20th century. Teddy White, Edgar Snow, Ernest Hemingway, and Henry Luce are among the prominent writers and publishers French weaves into his discussion. He also notes the work of some international journalists, such as Karl Marx, who wrote about China even though they did not live there. The author focuses on the life and times of individual writers rather than on news organizations or the events reporters covered. Among the book's helpful features are a comprehensive collection of photographs, an appendix that explains changes in English names for Chinese cities and provinces, chapter notes, and an extensive bibliography. French's lucid prose holds the reader's attention. A useful resource for those interested in Chinese history as well as international journalism and journalism history. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. R. A. Logan emeritus, University of Missouri--Columbia