中國之所以為中國,不是過去一百年稱自己是個民族國家的產物,而是因為其實一個有兩千多年歷史的文明古國。
在人類歷史上,中國的變化之快勝過任何一個社會。同時,中國依舊與自己的歷史保持著獨一和無與倫比的親密感。要是北京的一個出租車司機和你談到今天的時候,引用三千多年前一兩位先賢的話,我們大可不必驚訝。歷史,即便是久遠的歷史,就在他的倒車鏡里。
CHAPTER ONE
W. Somerset Maugham and China (I)
CHAPTER TWO
W. Somerset Maugham and China (II)
CHAPTER THREE
Bertrand Russell and e Problem of China (I)
CHAPTER FOUR
Bertrand Russell and e Problem of China (II)
CHAPTER FIVE
Plunder and Pleasure-seeking on the Silk Road: Some
European Case Studies
CHAPTER SIX
Backhouse and His Decadence Mandchoue
CHAPTER SEVEN
Stella Benson and the Consolations of Being an Official’s Wife
CHAPTER EIGHT
S. I. Hsiung and Lady Precious Stream
CHAPTER NINE
LAO SHE: the Unlikely Londoner
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Shanghai Brats: Denton Welch and J. G. Ballard
CHAPTER TWELVE
JOSEPH NEEDHAM: Science and Civilization in China
CHAPTER TEN
Chairman Mao and His English Lady Friends