English Lessons

“Hevia’s analysis brilliantly introduces fresh comparative perspectives on old topics in Western-Chinese interactions. . . . [T]his book should be extremely enlightening for students of all empires, and essential for those who want to put China back into world history.” - Peter C. Perdue , Journal of Colonialism & Colonial History

“Hevia’s book will remain important for many years to come.” - J.Y. Wong , Journal of Asian Studies

"[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

"A worthwhile look at the British efforts to subdue, teach, and learn the limits of their imperial reach in relation to another empire." - May Caroline Chan , Interventions

"[A]n engagingly written analysis. . . ." - Paul Bailey , History

"[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 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

"There is hardly a more appropriate time than now to read James Hevia's inspiring new book. . . . This is a significant book with important implications on Chinese studies, postcolonial studies, and historiography in general. . . . [T]his is a highly successful book that has effectively bridged the gap between late Qing studies and postcolonial scholarship." - Tong Lam , Journal of World 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

“I am very positive about this book because James L. Hevia’s efforts to move beyond a ‘China-centered approach’ are fresh and innovative. His chapters on the Boxers and their aftermath are the best part of the book. By reconstructing the polychromatic, global imperialist context circa 1900, Hevia thus builds on more recent views that have been drawn mainly from Chinese sources. Rather than essentialize ‘Western imperialism’ and ‘China's victimization’ in black and white, Hevia presents a more penetrating account of Euro-America's ‘civilizing mission’ before and after 1900.” - Benjamin A. Elman, Professor of East Asian Studies and History, Princeton University

“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