Kenneth W. Rea – författare

In this collection of seven essays, Sino-American relations from 1841 through 1912 are examined by one of America's foremost authorities on the topic. Relying heavily on Chinese material and concentrating on the Chinese perspective, Professor Swisher introduces new material and analyzes selected aspects of these relations in detail.

"This volume is a memorial tribute to the late Professor F. Earl Swisher. Born in Lyons, Kansas, July 22, 1902, he was a member of the pioneer generation of American scholars to study China. His early life offered no indication that he would become involved in Chinese studies. At an early age he moved with his family to Palisades, Colorado, where his father owned a farm. There he completed his public education. He was an avid reader as a student, and by the time of his graduation had exhaustea the libraries of his teachers and school. He entered the University of Colorado in 1920, majoring in history. Although he received an academic scholarship, he had to work his way through the University. In May 1924, he was graduated with. honors. Still he was uncertain about his career. While walking across campus to work one day shortly before graduation, he was caught in a typical Colorado cloudburst. He found shelter in a nearby building being used by Canton Christian College to recruit faculty for the forthcoming year. Waiting for the rain to stop, Swisher expressed a mild interest in a position at the College and left his name and address. He was somewhat surprised several weeks later to be offered a contract. By the end of August, he had arrived in Canton to assume his duties."

Early Sino-American Relations, 1841-1912 focuses on Earl Swisher's pioneering research in early Sino-American relations from 1841 through 1912, analyzing selected aspects of these relations in detail.