"China from a Western Perspective: Twilight in the Forbidden City" describes the special years from 1919 to 1924 when Johnston formed an indissoluble bond with China at the peak of his life. At that time, the Chinese media had many accusations against Johnston himself and Puyi, but what John was obviously concerned about was only his account of the events that took place in those years, so that he could refute those accusations once and for all. In response to criticism of himself and the emperor, Johnston painted a unique and aspirational picture of life in the strange, closed world of the Forbidden City. Johnston was well versed in Chinese history and culture, so the rich historical details of that almost-forgotten era emerged from his writing like a giant claw in the snow. In addition, his close relationship with Puyi and his personal familiarity with many important figures of that era allowed Johnston to praise and criticize them as much as he wanted.
Reader comments
As the saying goes, history is written by the victors. Treat characters objectively and have your own opinions. If you were one of them, could you do better? History has passed, but what cannot be overcome is history!
As far as the text is concerned, it is nothing more than the autobiography of a colonialist royalist. But fortunately, the appendices and bibliography notes of this book are much higher than the main text, allowing us to better understand the last story of the last emperor and the Forbidden City during that time period. Worth recommending.
Everyone's life has historical limitations, no judgment. He is also a great person who dares to write books that challenge the foundation of the Western world, but he has never been able to get rid of the shackles of theology in his life. History is written by the victors. If the fascists had won World War II, Johnston would also be admired by future generations. The author was lucky that he was not assassinated during the court struggle. After all, the author is a foreigner with the British Empire behind him, and the Qing court was afraid of it.
It's good, but there are some repetitions.
The story of Johnston and Puyi reminds me of my own experience of pursuing true love. That kind of persistence and persistence is really touching. Moreover, the historical details in the book are also very rich, and it feels like traveling back to that era. I think this book is not only a record of history, but also a profound depiction of human nature and emotions. I must recommend it to my friends so that they can also experience this special history and emotion.
I like this kind of work that records history and needs to be authentic.
Looking at China from a foreigner's perspective is worth reading.
Well worth reading
Rich content, real and nice to listen to
The descriptions of those who have experienced it, although they have personal limitations, provide a good perspective.
As the saying goes, history is written by the victors. Treat characters objectively and have your own opinions. If you were one of them, could you do better? History has passed, but what cannot be overcome is history!
As far as the text is concerned, it is nothing more than the autobiography of a colonialist royalist. But fortunately, the appendices and bibliography notes of this book are much higher than the main text, allowing us to better understand the last story of the last emperor and the Forbidden City during that time period. Worth recommending.
Everyone's life has historical limitations, no judgment. He is also a great person who dares to write books that challenge the foundation of the Western world, but he has never been able to get rid of the shackles of theology in his life. History is written by the victors. If the fascists had won World War II, Johnston would also be admired by future generations. The author was lucky that he was not assassinated during the court struggle. After all, the author is a foreigner with the British Empire behind him, and the Qing court was afraid of it.
It's good, but there are some repetitions.
The story of Johnston and Puyi reminds me of my own experience of pursuing true love. That kind of persistence and persistence is really touching. Moreover, the historical details in the book are also very rich, and it feels like traveling back to that era. I think this book is not only a record of history, but also a profound depiction of human nature and emotions. I must recommend it to my friends so that they can also experience this special history and emotion.
I like this kind of work that records history and needs to be authentic.
Looking at China from a foreigner's perspective is worth reading.
Well worth reading
Rich content, real and nice to listen to
The descriptions of those who have experienced it, although they have personal limitations, provide a good perspective.