Sir Robert Hart: The Romance of a Great Career presents a detailed portrait of an influential administrator whose work shaped the development of the Imperial Chinese Customs service during a period of political and economic transformation. The narrative traces his journey from modest beginnings in Ireland to a position of lasting importance within China’s institutional framework. Emphasis is placed on his intellectual discipline, moral resolve, and determination to bridge cultural divides....

In "Sir Robert Hart: The Romance of a Great Career," Juliet Bredon masterfully chronicles the life of Sir Robert Hart, a pivotal figure in the history of Sino-Western relations during the late Qing Dynasty. With a narrative style that intertwines biographical detail with historical context, Bredon paints a vivid portrait of Hart's career as a diplomat and administrator in China. The text is richly woven with personal anecdotes, reflecting Hart's ambitions and challenges within the turbulen...

First published in 2006. The Moon Year is an attempt at recording the mysterious andsomewhat elusive traditions of the Chinese. Juliet Bredon and IgorMitrophanow trace their way through the intimate life of the society,their religions, their superstitions, their philosophies, and customs.Only after a year's residence in China are they able to gather a muchmore intimate perspective on this age-old civilization that haswithstood the test of time. Bre...