Taiwan. Essence of Chinese Culture, by Chang Chi-Yun. Sun Yat-Sen, Chiang Kai-Shek. Celebration of Taiwanese History, Politics and Nationhood. 1957 1st Edition. OP Chang Chi-Yun (1901 - 1985) Chinese Authors,History - Far East,Taiwan

"The Essence of Chinese Culture", by Chang Chi-Yun, was published in 1957 by the China News Press. It presents a history of Chinese culture, specifically ancient, but focusing mostly on Taiwan. Much of the book is celebratory for the twentieth century history of the establishment of Taiwan. There is much about cultural, political and economic developments in that time, as Taiwan embraced Western culture, while maintaining its own Chinese identity. The famous cultural, political and military figures of the day are given considerable attention, such as : Sun Yat Sen, Chiang Kai-Shek, Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, and Mr. Ch'i Ju-Shan (called the 'Shakespeare of Taiwan'), and a number of Western politicians such as Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Richard Nixon, and U. S. Ambassador Rankin, to name a few. Lots of halftone photographs and a few line maps are scattered throughout the book. Despite it size, it is a heavy book, because it is entirely printed on calendered paper (semi-glossy paper). The language is English, but there are a few entries inChinese characters. This is a fairly uncommon book outside of Taiwan, itself. TABLE OF CONTENTS (with some of the sub-headings) : - INTRODUCTION - HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY - CONFUCIANISM : On the Golden Mean, etc. - CONTEMPORARY CHINA : Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, / President Chiang Kai-Shek / Cairo Conference / Essence of the San Min Chu I - TAIWAN : The Spirit of Taiwan, etc. - CHINESE ART : National Palace Museum / On Chinese Painting / Cheng Man-ching // Calligraphy / Ch'i Ju-Shan and the Chinese Opera - SCIENTIFIC HUMANISM : Science and Politics / New Philosophy of Education / Philosophy of Action / Wu Chih-hui, great Scholar of our time - NEW EDUCATION : Aspects of China's Educational Efforts / Atomic Energy & the Reconstruction of China / Rural Education / Women's Education / Virtue of youth - EAST AND WEST CULTURES : Future of Oriental Cultures / Confucianism and Christianity / Chinese Culture & Christianity / the Blend of East and West Cultures - SINO-AMERICAN RELATIONS : Centennial Celebration of Sino-American Intellectual Friendship / Yale & China / The Spirit of San Francisco / Meaning of "Far East Day" - INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL COOPERATION : China and UNESCO / Chungking and Bataan / the Two Oldest Civilizations / Chinese Culture and the new Publications - APPENDIX : Problems of China / The Red Threat to Chinese Culture and Christianity. TITLE : The Essence of Chinese Culture AUTHOR : Chang Chi-Yun (1901 - 1985) Chinese historian, geographer, educator and politician; Founder of the Chinese Culture University and the Nanhai Academy; Served as Minister of Education of the Republic of China from 1954 to 1958. (From Wikipedia) IMPRINT : The China News Press PLACE : Taipei, Taiwan DATE : (August 1957) PRINTER : China Engraving & Printing Works (Taipei) EDITION : Presumed First Edition DETAILS : Trade hardcover; contains a preface, an Introduction, an Index, numerous half-tone photographs and a few line maps; size = approx. 5 3/4" x 8 1/4"; leatherette binding with gilt lettering & Chinese characters on spine; [xii] + 508 pages; the book is mostly in English, but there are a few entries in Chinese characters (such as chapter headings); illustrated dust-jacket has photo of author on rear panel. CONDITION . This is a previously owned book that remains clean, solid and presentable, with the following particulars noted : EXTERIOR - A couple of tiny scrapes along the front joint, else all is clean and attractive with negligible signs of handling. Text-block edges are slightly toned, else clear. BINDING - Solid INTERIOR - Clean and free of marking. DUST-JACKET - Loss and chipping to spine panel extremities; flap extremities display small tears and loss; there is a small hole on the fold of the front flap; the rear panel has loss to the top edge, and there are some scratches extending from the top edge. The whole is protected from further wear by a clear mylar sleeve.