As A Chinaman Saw Us: Passages from His Letters to a Friend at Home

A set of candid letters written by a well‑educated Chinese gentleman during a ten‑year stay in the United States offers a fresh, outsider’s eye on turn‑of‑the‑century America. Addressed to a friend back home, the correspondence blends personal anecdotes with sharp, often humorous commentary on everything from bustling city life to quiet domestic scenes.

The writer, trained in both English and German schools, turns his scholarly background toward the quirks of American politics, fashion, social rituals and the peculiar habits of its people. His observations expose the pride, pretensions and occasional absurdities of a nation convinced of its own perfection, while also revealing his own steadfast ties to Chinese tradition.

Listeners will be treated to a lively, witty portrait that both amuses and provokes reflection on cultural misunderstanding and the universal foibles of modern life. The letters capture a unique moment in history, making the past feel surprisingly immediate and entertaining.