GENIUS OF CHINA

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23859, 30 January 1943, Page 4

GENIUS OF CHINA

BOOK OF THE DAY

A Shprt History of Chinese Civilisation. By Tsui Chi. Gollancz. 335 pp. (12/6 net.) Mr Chi traverses an immense period, from pre-historic ages to the present day. The wise reader will skip no early chapter, however, with the notion of coming sooner to what is most important; for, what is most important —the character and genius of the Chinese—is the theme of this book from first to last. Here is the procession of the dynasties; the conquerors march out, the invaders drive in; the bounds of the empire form and dissolve and reform. Throughout, the singular strength of the Chinese, to absorb, to transmute, to integrate and reintegrate, to react in creative idealism to material evil, is admirably interpreted. Two illustrations must suffice. The iron oppression of the Mongols liberated new energies in Chinese art. The influences of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism were reinvigorated and harmonised in Li-ism. It is this genius for selection and harmony that assures China the full profit of its modern search of western culture. EXCITEMENTS VON HORSSEL AGAIN Where is the Withered Man? By Norman Deane. Hurst and Blackett. 191 pp. Through Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd. Mary and Bruce Murdoch, idling in Dorset after their tussle with Baron von Horssel (see “The Withered Man,” if the advice is not superfluous), are not idle long. The Baron is in England, plotting England’s overthrow; he warns Mary by telephone to keep out of things and keep Bruce ouWfast work, but a waste of time. Mr Deane is a bit short on grammar but very long on thrills. DEATH BY MISADVENTURE Inspector West Takes Charge. By John Creascy, Stanley Paul. 199 pp. Through Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd. i The gang against which Roger West pits his brain and strength has many methods of getting rid of opponents, men who have served their turn, and awkward witnesses. “Death by misadventure” is a favourite device West’s escapes are almost beyond counting: so are those of the gang leaders. But West outlasts, outwits, and out-shoots them. He deserves to—a pleasant fellow.