Failures on the Path to the World: Guo Songtao and the Daoguang-Tongzhi-Guangxu Era

Author: Wang Rongzu [USA]
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-10-01
Features: This book is about a person and the era in which he lived. Guo Songtao is a highly controversial figure in modern history. His insights far surpassed those of his contemporaries, as he early recognized that China could no longer remain isolated and should embrace the world. However, this understanding was met with ridicule and abuse from the entire nation. He was outnumbered and had to step aside. His personal setbacks perfectly symbolized China's struggles in opening up to the world. Yet despite the setbacks and difficulties, China eventually made its way into the world, though at a higher cost.