Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

In "Sir Robert Hart: The Romance of a Great Career" by Juliet Bredon, the reader delves into the compelling narrative of Sir Robert Hart, a prominent figure in British colonial history. Bredon's biographical account is rich with vivid details of Hart's life, filled with political intrigue, personal struggles, and societal expectations. The author's literary style employs a mix of historical narrative and personal insights, giving the reader a well-rounded view of Hart's complex character within the context of 19th-century British imperialism in China. The book is a captivating blend of historical analysis and personal storytelling, making it a valuable contribution to the field of colonial studies and biography. The intensive research and attention to detail in Bredon's work provide a comprehensive portrait of a man who played a crucial role in shaping British imperial policy in China. The book is a must-read for history buffs, scholars of colonial history, and anyone interested in the personal and political intricacies of a man's remarkable career.

A study of U.S.-Chinese relations involving the U.S. Army, this work focuses at the personnel level on the Army's service in China. While studies have been published of the U.S. Marines' and U.S. Navy's involvement in China, little attention has been given the Army's missions in this theater. Operations in China were a key part of the history and traditions of the 9th, 14th, 15th and 31st Regiments, whose coats of arms still feature dragons as symbols of their service there. Many who served in the 15th in China went on to impressive careers as general officers, prompting one soldier to ask "what other infantry regiment of those days can boast of such an alumni list?" Also covered is the 31st Regiments' involvement in Shanghai during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the prelude of the coming of World War II in Asia.

The Chinese Maritime Customs Service, which was led by British staff, is often seen as one of the key agents of Western imperialism in China, the customs revenue being one of the major sources of Chinese government income but a source much of which was pledged to Western banks as the collateral for, and interests payments on, massive loans. This book, however, based on extensive original research, considers the lower level staff of the Chinese Maritime Customs Service, and shows how the Chinese government, struggling to master Western expertise in many areas, pursued a deliberate policy of encouraging lower level staff to learn from their Western superiors with a view to eventually supplanting them, a policy which was successfully carried out. The book thereby demonstrates that Chinese engagement with Western imperialists was in fact an essential part of Chinese national state-building, and that what looked like a key branch of Chinese government delegated to foreigners was in fact very much under Chinese government control.