'Peter Zarrow's groundbreaking study of Chinese textbooks critically analyzes their presentation of knowledge to students in late Qing and Republican China. Zarrow thoughtfully situates the texts in broad social and cultural currents, demonstrating how they reflected and influenced ongoing political and intellectual dynamics. This book is necessary reading for all students of modern Chinese history.' Robert J. Culp, Bard College
Introduction; 1. The construction of the state school system; 2. Reading modern China; 3. Textbook morality, self-cultivation, and civics; 4. Good citizens; 5. The national subject in time; 6. A usable past; 7. The importance of space; Conclusion; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.