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For anyone who has studied China in advance of doing business there since Deng took his tour of the south and suggested to be rich is glorious or who has already ventured into the Chinese market, Crow's 65-year old story is reassuring. Everything in China has changed and nothing has changed. Perhaps the greatest lesson is that China changes but VERY slowly.
Crow's insight into China and especially Shanghai "before Liberation" provides wonderful stories of how to develop ads and merchandising tactics, deal with Chinese customers, and keep on laughing. If you have ever read any other book about the Chinese market, it invariably cited Crow. Now, go to the primary source. It is somewhat frustrating to know he dealt with the same issues with which we deal now, but it is also reassuring to know that he did encounter similar problems. It makes forecasting in China a bit easier.

This book offers a wonderful reflection of life, business and Chinese culture from a period before the second world war. For those who have been to Shanghai or other parts of China you can close your eyes and make more sense of the experience through the eyes of Carl Crow. For those who are planning a trip to China this book offers some cultural perspective and preparation for your travels. Irrespective of your reasons for studying or visiting China, this book is a sentimental must-have for any China library.