China's Most Beloved Novel and the Profusion of Significant Works

On Christmas Day, Jonathan Spence, the leading light of Western sinology and my former professor, passed away.

Over a long and distinguished career, Professor Spence produced numerous books (not to mention countless essays and articles) on Chinese history. Unlike most other academics, he wrote in a uniquely engaging narrative style that made many of his works highly accessible even to general readers. "The Search for Modern China" in particular became a bestseller. His uncanny ability to empathize with historical figures allowed us readers, vicariously through him, to feel as though we were sitting down with men and women from centuries in the past.

And of course, as a pedagogue, he was responsible for educating entire generations of American students on Chinese culture. But for him, China in all its complexities would seem even more perplexing and alien in Western eyes.

In memory of my teacher: some reflections on the life, work, and influence of Jonathan Spence.

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