D. E. Mungello Book order

The book explores the obscure history of China's first underground Catholic church, focusing on the period from 1724, when missionaries were expelled, to their return in the 1800s with European colonialism. During this era of persecution, the Chinese were able to assert control over their own church, highlighting a significant shift in religious dynamics. Mungello sheds light on how this unique historical context allowed for the development of a distinct Chinese Catholic identity.

Joseph de Prémare's interpretations of ancient Chinese texts, long unpublished and deemed dangerous by religious and intellectual authorities, reveal his exceptional knowledge as a Sinologist. This analysis highlights the significance of his work, which challenges prevailing views and showcases the depth of his understanding of Chinese culture and philosophy.

Drawing on four decades of research, this work offers an in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between Catholicism and modern China. It delves into the historical interactions between Sino-Western cultures, revealing the intricate dynamics and influences that have shaped Catholicism's presence in China. Mungello presents a nuanced narrative that highlights the challenges and transformations faced by the faith in the context of Chinese society.

For the Chinese, the drive toward growing political and economic power is part of an ongoing effort to restore China's past greatness and remove the lingering memories of history's humiliations. This widely praised book explores the 1500-1800 period before China's decline, when the country was viewed as a leading world culture and power. D. E. Mungello argues that this earlier era, ironically, may contain more relevance for today than the more recent past. This fully revised fourth edition retains the clear and concise quality of its predecessors, while drawing on a wealth of new research on Sino-Western history and the increasing contributions of Chinese historians. Building on the author's decades of research and teaching, this compelling book illustrates the vital importance of history to readers trying to understand China's renewed rise.

The book provides a comprehensive examination of female infanticide in China, a topic often overlooked and fraught with controversy. Through the use of rare Chinese documents and illustrations, historian D. E. Mungello explores the historical causes behind this practice and its enduring presence over two millennia, shedding light on a critical aspect of gender issues in Chinese society.

Conflicting aspirations and passions emerge as Christianity is introduced to a provincial region in China. The narrative vividly depicts the interactions between Chinese converts and European priests, highlighting their collaboration amidst challenges like imprisonment, apostasy, and martyrdom. Themes of faith are intertwined with elements of self-flagellation and sexual seduction, alongside the influence of peasant secret societies, creating a rich tapestry of human experience in the face of cultural and spiritual upheaval.