ChinaTalk Paul Kennedy's Jonathan Spence Memories
Sep 8, 2022
Paul Kennedy, a historian and former colleague of Jonathan Spence at Yale, shares heartfelt stories about the late Sinologist. He recalls the humorous struggles of British soldiers in Germany and engaging discussions about Chinese history with Henry Kissinger. Kennedy reflects on Spence's unique research approach, intertwining rigorous scholarship with personal anecdotes. He also highlights how Spence bridged history and business by creatively leveraging archaeological projects for corporate interests, emphasizing the lasting impact of Spence's work.
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Drunk Soldiers
- Jonathan Spence, stationed in Germany during the Cold War, found drunk British soldiers more frightening than Russian troops.
- He had to manage brawls and their aftermath, shaping his view of history's human dimension.
Atmospheric History
- Spence mastered atmospheric historical writing by grounding novelistic narratives in meticulous archival research.
- He combined big-picture history with small, atmospheric details, evidenced by books like Matteo Ricci.
Meticulous Research
- In The Question of Who, Spence details a Chinese man's journey to France, blending archival research with on-the-ground exploration.
- He visited archives, retraced Hu's route, and even considered the topography to create an immersive narrative.
