English Lessons

"James L. Hevia takes the notion of imperial discipline and pedagogy beyond metaphor to precise illustration and explanation. With the help of a wonderfully selected set of prints and the mastery of an unusual set of archives, " English Lessons" manages to make of the familiar story of British imperialism in China something new and startling."--Marilyn B. Young, Professor of History, New York University

James L. Hevia

" ... extremely interesting ... no one will be able to think about Britain in China or China today, in quite the same way as before... Hevia makes an entirely original contribution to the history of British global imperialism and of what Britain was really doing in China in the century before 1949."--THE CHINA QUATERLY "A product of 15 years' meticulous and extensive research, this impressive book challenges current Western and Chinese scholarship... Highly recommended."--G. Zheng, CHOICE "Prodigiously researched, English Lessons combines readable theoretical analysis with terrific detail... [N]o one will be able to think about Britain in China or China today, in quite the same way as before... Hevia makes an entirely original contribution to the history of British global imperialism and of what Britain was really doing in China in the century before 1949."--Joanna Waley-Cohen, The China Quarterly "[A] vital work not only for China scholars but also for scholars of British imperialism and the general history of colonialism. Hevia's ability to coax original insights from a vast array of sources ... marks him as one of the most imaginative and sophisticated historians of China writings today. Seldom is a gauntlet thrown with so much skill, and with so much reward to the reader."--Ruth Rogaski, American Historical Review "[I]nspiring... [T]his is a highly successful book that has effectively bridged the gap between late Qing studies and postcolonial scholarship. Moreover, in light of the ongoing American involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, this work inevitably gives us another opportunity to reflect upon the nature of American overseas "nation-building" projects as well as U.S. claims of having the moral high ground of spreading freedom and democracy to the rest of the world."--Tong Lam, Journal of World History "[A]n engagingly written analysis..."--Paul Bailey, History Hevia's study... deserves high accolades. His fresh interpretative framework, deft use of historical sources, and lucid stylistic representation are examples of excellent scholarship."--Q. Edward Wang, Journal of British Studies