China and the Chinese


Read by David Barnes

(4.5 stars; 56 reviews)

Herbert Allen Giles (1845-1935) spent several years as a diplomat in China and in 1897 was appointed Cambridge University’s second professor of Chinese. His published works cover Chinese language and literature, history and philosophy.

This series of lectures, published as “China and the Chinese”, was given at Columbia University in 1902, to mark the establishment of a Chinese professorship there. The lectures were not intended for the specialist, more to urge a wider and more systematic study of China and its culture, and to encourage new students into the field.

While many of the observations are just as relevant today, others will remind us how much China has changed since the period of the Manchu Qing dynasty in which he wrote. (Summary by David Barnes) (4 hr 29 min)

Chapters

Preface - Lecture 1 - The Chinese Language 45:27 Read by David Barnes
Lecture 2 - A Chinese Library 46:14 Read by David Barnes
Lecture 3 - Democratic China 43:56 Read by David Barnes
Lecture 4 - China and Ancient Greece 42:22 Read by David Barnes
Lecture 5 - Taoism 43:15 Read by David Barnes
Lecture 6 - Some Chinese Manners and Customs 47:55 Read by David Barnes

Reviews


(5 stars)

Very interesting subject and a very good reader. This is a revision of my own review earlier in the day (four stars). It just dawned on me that, in order to give all the different intonations to the words in the Chinese language, the reader must be, either knowledgeable on the language or put a serious effort following the author's indications as to their pronunciation. Either way his efforts certainly command my respect. Many many thanks.

Terrific


(5 stars)

I have gained much perspective and respect from listening to this amazing book. I had no idea of the tremendous amount of literature coming from China at such an early period before Christianity. This book has inspired me to research further some of the amazing Sages from those times. Great reader.

The very best LibriVox has to offer.


(5 stars)

I've listened to it 7 or 8 times. David's narration is perfect. Giles himself is a master rhetorician.

China for the curious


(5 stars)

In case this is a title you might put onto your list titled: "Interesting -- maybe when I'm feeling scholarly" . . . These six lectures are a fascinating introduction to the significance of Chinese civilization and scholarship. If that sounds a little dry, start with the last lecture (6: Some Chinese Manners and Customs); if it intrigues you, start with the first (The Chinese Language). The author, Giles, is marvelously clear, accessible, and comprehensive, and David Barne's reading is a perfectly transparent conveyance of Giles' ideas. Even when the reader might easily be more noticeable than the text -- in the Chinese pronunciation -- instead he makes it seem very natural that the Chinese sounds and intonations should share breath with the English, and so the text remains at the forefront of attention. So here's a really wonderful text, read so deftly you cease to notice the reader -- except every now and again, when it dawns on you what a genuine pleasure it is to listen to this voice. ::Applause::

Interedting and well read


(5 stars)

Reader is top notch. Writing is easy to follow and interesting, if not very expository, seemingly meant only to quicken a taste in 19th century university students curiosity of the subject.

Rico em promenores!


(5 stars)

Um livro rico bastate colorido e interessantes. Uma obra que recomendo para quem quiser saber mais sobre a vivência dos chineses e visão da cultura chinesa.

vivid anecdotes & thoughtful assertions, very well read


(5 stars)

especially enjoyed chapter on language and the pure Tao poetry.

both the writer and the reader are wonderful, thank you SO much!


(5 stars)