Description: Yen Fu spent years translating and commenting on the work of Western thinkers like Spencer, Huxley, Adam Smith, Mill, and Montesquieu. Schwartz examines the modifications and consequent revaluation of these familiar works as they were presented to their new audience and analyzes the impact of this Western thought on the Chinese culture of the time.
Brief description: Benjamin I. Schwartz was Leroy B. Williams Professor of History and Political Science, Emeritus, at Harvard University.
Review Quotes: Probably the most important cross-cultural study of ideas published in the last twenty years. It is not surprising that a brilliant and subtle scholar like Professor Schwartz should choose Yen Fu.--Martin Bernal "New York Review of Books"