On a Chinese Screen


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.6 stars; 25 reviews)

On a Chinese Screen is a captivating collection of essays by W. Somerset Maugham, offering a window into the complexities of life in early 20th-century Asia. Through keen observations and vivid descriptions, Maugham shares his experiences and reflections during his travels, painting a rich tapestry of the cultures and landscapes he encounters.

Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, Maugham's writings explore the nuances of Chinese society, the clash of tradition and modernity, and the intricate relationships between people and their environments. His sharp wit and insightful commentary provide a unique perspective that distinguishes this work from typical travel narratives.

As Maugham navigates bustling cities and serene countryside, he invites listeners to ponder the deeper themes of identity, belonging, and the human experience. This collection not only serves as a travelogue but also as a thoughtful exploration of the cultural dynamics at play in a time of transformation.

Chapters

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1 The Rising of the Curtain 4:01 Read by Bellona Times
2 My Lady's Parlour 3 The Mongol Chief 4 The Rolling Stone 10:19 Read by Elizabeth Klett
5 The Cabinet Minister 6 Dinner Parties 7 The Altar of Heaven 19:22 Read by AmericanThai
8 The Servants of God 9 The Inn 10 The Glory Hole 16:04 Read by MaryAnn
11 Fear 12 The Picture 13 Her Britannic Majesty's Representative 18:51 Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)
14 The Opium Den 15 The Last Chance 16 The Nun 8:02 Read by twixie313
17 Henderson 18 Dawn 19 The Point of Honour 17:06 Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)
20 The Beast of Burden 21 Dr. Macalister 22 The Road 18:25 Read by MaryAnn
23 God's Truth 24 Romance 25 The Grand Style 19:05 Read by Galen
26 Rain 27 Sullivan 28 The Dining-Room 15:43 Read by Bellona Times
29 Arabesque 30 The Consul 31 The Stripling 12:24 Read by NickNumber
32 The Fannings 33 The Song of the River 34 Mirage 11:14 Read by NickNumber
35 The Stranger 36 Democracy 37 The Seventh Day Adventist 14:10 Read by NickNumber
38 The Philosopher 39 The Missionary Lady 40 A Game of Billiards 20:23 Read by NickNumber
41 The Skipper 42 The Sights of the Town 43 Nightfall 12:41 Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)
44 The Normal Man 45 The Old Timer 46 The Plain 16:06 Read by MaryAnn
47 Failure 48 A Student of the Drama 49 The Taipan 28:13 Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)
50 Metempsychosis 51 The Fragment 52 One of the Best 13:01 Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)
53 The Sea-Dog 54 The Question 55 The Sinologue 14:14 Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)
56 The Vice-Consul 57 A Crrr Built on a Rock 58 Libation to the Gods 19:03 Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)

Reviews

Wonderful!


(5 stars)

Well read, very insightful. Snapshots of the lives of westerners living in China at the turn of the century.


(5 stars)

What an interesting book. I like the short verbal snapshots of life and people. But of course WSM is one of the finest writers. Highly recommend. Good readers overall.


(4 stars)

good readers. strange and different world. author is cynical and poetic