Abstract

Obviously the work of an erudite and cultured man, this book is what it purports to be, "an informal story of China," "designed for the interested layman as well as the student rather than the specialist." Like most popularization, it suffers from oversimplification, overenthusiasm, lack of proper scholarly support for the material, and zealous digression. The somewhat stilted style is often awkward and un-English. Nevertheless, a decidedly entertaining book, distinguished by several translations of Chinese lyrics. --J. H. S.