Professor Frederick W. Mote (1922–2006) has been widely recognized as a key figure in the field of Sinology. He taught at Princeton University for thirty-one years and was a founder of both Princeton's Department of East Asian Studies and its re-markable Gest (East Asian) Library. His distinguished record of scholarly publication includes the co-editing, with Professor Denis C. Twitchett, of volumes seven and eight of the Cambridge History of China. Although he is perhaps best known for his studies of the Ming dynasty, his special erudition, as demonstrated in his final book, Imperial China, 900-1800, spans the Song through Qing periods. Generations of his students and colleagues have admired him not only for his learning but for his generosity in sharing his broad understanding of China. This wide-ranging collection includes papers by David A. Sensabaugh, Geoff Wade, Hok-lam Chan, Tai-loi Ma, Martin Hei-jdra, Chen-main Wang, Thomas Bartlett, Paul R. Katz, Alfreda Murck and Perry Link. Its publication stands not only as a tribute to Professor Mote but as a major contribution to the field of Sinology.

Examining the lives of notable women, this study of biblical stories teaches the significance of the Black women who brought civilization into existence. Many stories in the Bible are about men. Most studies do not take a female perspective on the exploration of the lived experiences of the women of the Bible. Truthful Reaching Back...Moving Forward does just that, focusing on those stories that depict ordinary women doing extraordinary things that were noteworthy. It allows the opportunity for reflection as we move forward and embrace what these women did to change and contribute to history. With guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can gain an understanding of who these women were, how they lived, and what they endured. This collection serves as a manifestation of victory for all women of color. We must look back to the places, memories, hurts, victories, and fears that history has shown us if we are to move forward positively and embrace who we are with purpose and intention.