Customer Reviews

Rickshaw Beijing: City People and Politics in the 1920s

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

David Strand takes a large scale topic, namely the rise of Beijing in the early part of the century, and magnificently weaves a compelling tale. He covers all facets of city life, and in doing so, paints a vivid, and historically significant portrayal of life in 1920s Beijing. The book is definitely an important study and should be read by all who have any interest in China.

A masterpiece of historical research and writing.
Brilliant study; meticulous, original research.
A model for historians.
Wish that I had wrote it.

I first came across this book when I was a graduate student in the China programme at London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). It is certainly one of the best works on early 20th century China.

I can't believe that the reader from Charlottesville gave this book only one star. It is clear that he must be grossly mistaken in his opinions. Perhaps he never read the book, for anyone who has had the pleasure would surely rank this book on the same level as other historical classics of its kind. I urge all readers to disregard the Charlottesville review. It is clear that he either holds a grudge against the author, or is merely some slack-jawed yokel. Give Rickshaw Beijing the chance it so richly deserves, and you will be amazed at what you find: a well crafted history, sparkling with significant insight, peppered with a brilliant writing style.

Strand spends too much time on the Rickshaw, and not enough on the Beijing. Although his grasp of the subject matter is unmatched, his delivery is not as masterful and, at times, sleep inducing. I don't know what that means, but it's bad, I think.