Illustrations; Preface; Introduction; 1 Flight to the Land of Oz; 2 The Exotic Appeal of Chinese Boy-Actors; 3 Establishing Friendships in Imperial China; 4 Establishing Friendships in Post-1911 China; 5 Establishing Intellectual Connections with China; 6 The Reorientation of Western Aesthetics; Epilogue; Notes; Chinese Character Glossary; Bibliography; Index; About the Author
Summary
This unique work examines the role played by sexuality in the historical encounter between China and the West. Distinguished historian D.E. Mungello focuses especially on Western homosexuals who saw China as a place of escape from the homophobia of Europe and North America. His groundbreaking study traces the lives of two dozen men, many previously unknown to have same-sex desire, who fled to China and in the process influenced perceptions of Chinese culture to this day. This escapism engendered casual sexual encounters, serious friendships, and substantive intellectual rela
