Personal Experience of 45 Years in the Late Qing Dynasty: Li Timotai's Recollections in China

Author: (British) Timothy Richard
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book provides a detailed account of Timothy Richard's 45 years of experiences during the late Qing Dynasty. He participated in the historical of China in almost every field, including religion, science, communications, international trade, disaster relief, the establishment of modern schools and professional academies, and the founding of modern publishing houses. He was not only an influential religious figure but also a guest of high-ranking officials both within and outside China, a behind-the-scenes strategist for the reformists, and an opponent of Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary party. Over 45 years, while spreading the "gospel" of God, he associated with the powerful, connected with the gentry, advised on foreign affairs, promoted reforms, mediated diplomatic matters, and criticized revolutions. He moved tirelessly between the backstage and the forefront, bustling in the depths of the mortal world, navigating between different political factions and becoming a prominent figure in the great changes of the late Qing Dynasty, leaving an indelible mark on modern Chinese history. His personal experiences are almost a microcosm of modern Chinese history: the intense struggle between tradition and modernity, the conflict and integration between Chinese and Western civilizations, and the dialectical unity of political and economic aggression versus the enlightenment of thought and technology, all vividly reflected in his memoirs.