| Abstrakt: |
Stephen MacKinnon's biography of Chen Hansheng, titled "Chen Hansheng: China's Last Romantic Revolutionary," is a valuable resource for those interested in studying modern Chinese history, the Communist revolution, the development of social sciences in China, and the country's relationship with the outside world. The book provides a comprehensive account of Chen's life, from his family background in Wuxi during the late Qing dynasty to his intellectual development both in China and abroad. It explores his scholarly pursuits and political activism, highlighting his roles as a teacher, critical voice in debates, principal investigator, analyst, and contributor to world-historical studies. The biography also addresses accusations of espionage activities against Chen, with the author defending his innocence. The book's strength lies in its ability to place Chen's experiences within the broader social and political contexts of the twentieth century, including his partnership with his wife, Gu Shuxing, and their shared vision of revolutionizing China. Chen's journey takes readers across the United States, Germany, Japan, and India, reflecting his strong sense of anti-imperialist internationalism. Overall, this biography offers insights into the life and work of Chen Hansheng that are relevant not only to modern China but also to global histories. [Extracted from the article] |
