Sources from the School of Oriental and African Studies and the British Library, London
This project answers the need for clear, intelligible and informative English-language sources relating to China and the West, 1793-1980, which can be used in the classroom or in course packs.
It is also ideal for independent projects on almost any aspect of Chinese history during the two centuries of monumental social and political upheaval that ultimately recreated China into a modern power. It comprises:
- A large body of maps, colour paintings, photographs and drawings depicting people, places, customs and events that will enliven any study of China.
- Substantial papers of key individuals involved in the Chinese Maritime Customs service from ECM and CAV Bowra to Robert Hart and Frederick Maze.
- Records of major diplomatic missions to China ranging from the late 18th and early 19th century missions of Macartney and Amherst to those of Nixon and Heath in the 20th century.
- Papers of missionaries active in all regions of China from Canton and Macao to Shanghai and Peking.
- Extensive, fully searchable run of the Chinese Recorder, 1867-1941
- Recently opened files from the National Archives at Kew relating to the thawing of relations with China in the 1970s.