Spence, Jonathan D.

Return to Dragon Mountain: Memories of a Late Ming Man

New York, NY: Viking Press, 2007. First Edition. Hardcover. Jonathan D. Spence (August 11, 1936 – December 25, 2021) was a sterling professor at Yale and, all in all, widely considered one of the leading western authorities on Chinese history. With works such as: “The Gate of Heavenly Peace” in 1981, “Mao Zedong” in 1999, “Treason by The Book” in 2006, among many others, Spence has an oeuvre that has long established him as a scholarly juggernaut when it comes to all things China–from Ming, to Mao, to modern, Spence’s work covers a vast expanse of time with sharp vividity and precision. “Return To Dragon Mountain” details the life of Zhang Dai (1597 – 1684) passionate historian, poet, dramatist, art connoisseur, traveler, and writer whose life was dramatically changed during the Manchu invasion of 1644. The Ming dynasty (1368–1644) was characterized largely as an era of expansive progress from religion, to art, to medicine, this time period in China’s history was truly a renaissance of cultural creativity. However, when the Ming dynasty was overthrown, China fell into a state of disarray. War torn countrysides, families scattered to the winds, famine, violence, and despair were commonplace during the Manchu invasion. Zhang found himself in such conditions and, with his remaining family, fled to the south of Shaoxing where they made a meager living from farming. For the next forty years Zhang worked relentlessly to construct the world he’d lost in words, a monumental mental construction that would, ultimately, categorize the rest of his life. This labor ended for Zhang at nearly ninety where, upon completion, he “shuffled his mortal coil” as the Bard would say. Spence’s work is a profound and deeply insightful look into the life of Zhang Dai, from decadence to desolation. This work is a must have for any lover of China, history, biography, or otherwise compelling narratives. [ISBN: 978-0-67006357-4]. Hardcover in unclipped dust jacket. First edition, first printing as indicated by number sequence on copyright page. Book is in very fine condition, slight wear to fine edges but otherwise pristine. Dust jacket is in very fine condition as well, with minor smudging to front and back covers, over all this volume is nearly mint. Very Fine. [Item #5471]

Price: $25.00