Editor’s Note: The 1st Wednesday Book Club has read seven books set in historical China. Simon Winchester has written a book that bridges the past with the present. The Man Who Loved China is the story of Joseph Needham, a biochemist who became intensely interested in Chinese accomplishments and discoveries when he was chosen for a diplomatic mission to China in 1943. He wrote in a notebook: “Sci in general in China–why not develop?”
Judy A., the reviewer, read the book and submitted this recommendation.
“ Needham reported Chinese inventions and discoveries too numerous to mention. Some examples:
thyroid treatment-1st century B.C
printing with woodblocks-7th century A.D.
asbestos woven into cloth-3rd century B.C.
bridges, iron-chain suspension-6th century A.D.
Although China had made so many of these discoveries long ago, Needham’s question was: What halted their pattern of scientific achievement? And today we are asking, “Is the “Sleeping Giant” now awakening?”
Anyone who has traveled in China or is fascinated by things Chinese will be drawn to this book. Joseph Needham’s unusual journeys after 1943, venturing out of Chonqing and into the heart of the Middle Kingdom, reveal the depth and breadth of Chinese scientific achievemnent.
His volumes are still studied by scholars of many disciplines.”
Editor’s P.S. Book Club members may remember Winchester’s, The Mad Man and the Professor, and know that the author has a knack for finding what some think would be dull material (the compiling of the Oxford Dictionary) and translating it into fascinating reading.
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