Journey of discovery
By Wu Wei (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-05-26 11:42
 |
Large Medium Small |
It was late April when a friend sent me a copy of British writer Simon Winchester's new book, The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom. I was immediately fascinated by the biography of British sinologist Dr Joseph Needham (1900-95).
Dr Needham, better known as Li Yuese in Chinese, is very famous in China for his great series Science and Civilisation in China (Zhongguo Kexue Jishu Shi). Like most Chinese, I haven't read this work. But I'm grateful and full of respect for Dr Needham for his efforts to introduce China's history and civilization to the world.
Winchester's book consumed me as I hungrily followed every discovery that Dr Needham made about China - sharing his anxiety over why China no longer led the world in science and technology, his happiness over the enthusiastic reception to his book, and feeling upset when Dr Needham faced problems.
From the moment Dr Needham met Chinese student Lu Gwei-djen (Lu Gui-zhen), who taught him Chinese calligraphy and later became his wife, to the time he observed the amazing grafting skills of an old Chinese gardener, the author led me on a journey of discovery of China's inventions in science and technology, with Dr Needham.
The blurry image of the sinologist became clearer. Dr Needham emerged as a talented, wise, energetic, romantic and straightforward man. I closed the book enchanted by his charisma, his love of China and all his efforts for the country.
It is said that a good biography must meet several requirements: The subject must have a striking character, legendary encounters, a charming appearance and a romantic side.
I felt that Dr Needham satisfied all of these. I realized that it had been several years since I had finished a book. I am very busy, but perhaps I had not come across a book that engaged my full attention.
The biography not only introduced Dr Needham to me, but also gave me an outline of his great work, Science and Civilisation in China.
This huge book comprises seven parts grouped under the following heads: introduction; philosophy; science; technology; "Needham's Grand Question" - why China was overtaken by the West in science and technology some 500 years ago; comparison of Chinese and other world civilizations; and China's future - whether China can rise again after five centuries of falling behind.
Dr Needham compiled 18 volumes of Science and Civilisation in China, which has grown into 25, since he died. This great work is an invaluable heritage for China and the whole world.
When I met Winchester in late April, I told him that I liked the book's title The Man Who Loved China very much, for it has captured the soul of the book. I believe the book will become a hit in China.
Winchester was happy that I had read his book carefully. In his preface, he says that authors who write in English feel grateful and honored if their books can be published in China, especially when their books are related to the country.
The author is director of China Book International Promotion and Planning Office
