Barbarians and Mandarins: Thirteen Centuries of Western Travellers in China

by Nigel Cameron

First published in 1970, this reprint edition recounts the experiences of a wide range of Western travellers in China over thirteen centuries.

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Ensiform · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating, engaging and well-written account of the brilliant and not too brilliant individuals who broke through China's isolationist barrier, from the seventh-century Nestorian Syrian named Alopen to Matteo Ricci to the civil war and the Communist victory. Over the course of this 400+ page book, Cameron establishes some main points that remain true for east-west relations throughout the centuries. First that no matter how important or interesting the reports from Western travelers in China were (William of Rubruck's for example), those who followed seem to have predictably ignored what came before, relying instead on popular suppositions and rumors. Second, China's air of superiority and dislike of foreigners may have soured relations with the West, but to their credit they have never been military conquerors of remote lands, preferring to keep to themselves. In fact, their naive isolationism helped bring about their downfall. Third, the West's primary interest in China has always been commercial; attempts at religious conversion played a large part, but long after intellectual and spiritual approaches failed, commercial relations continued to be forced on China. This is due to a very western ideal of ineluctable democratic progress. But in China, no such idea took root; and when China appropriated western ideas --- science, Communism --- they were always transformed into a unique, Chinese style. For all its learning, money, and might, the West could not transform China.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an older book (1970) that's been reprinted at least once, but which is well worth finding for those interested in early foreign travellers to China. Short chapters tell the stories of the most famous: Alopen (the Nestorian preacher made famous through the Nestorian Stele of the 700s that can still be seen in the Forest of Steles in modern Xi'an), Friar William of Rubruck (a Franciscan brother sent to the Mongols to seek a truce to try to convince the Mongols to join Christians to stop the spread of Islam--the mission failed), John of Montecorvino (another early Franciscan who claims to have been busy baptizing thousands during his visit), Odoric of Pordenone, Pires, Matteo Ricci, etc. etc. right up into the early 20th century. Fascinating stories, well told, and using a good amount of the original source material rather than inventing factition. Includes some fascinating historical photographs. An excellent index and bibliography although the latter has been supplanted by newer works (contains good, classic resources although at least one has since been identified as 'factition').

Highly recommended for those who need a good overview of this aspect of China's history--teachers, docents, editors.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and personable look at some of the early Western travelers to China. Easily engaging and enjoyable (even when rushing through it for a class)