A short history of China

Collection

Identifier: MC016

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

A carbon copy typescript of a presumably unpublished history of China written by Shao Chang Lee. The typescript traces the history of China in twenty-seven chapters from its mythical beginnings until the Manchu government in the mid 19th century.

Dates

ca. 1961

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

The collection is the physical property of Edmund S. Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library. Bates College holds literary rights only for material created by College personnel working on official behalf of the College, or for material which was given to the College with such rights specifically assigned. For all other material, literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for obtaining permission from rights holders for publication or other purposes that exceed fair use.

Historical Note

Shao Chang Lee (1891-1977) was a noted authority on Chinese history and religion. Born in Kwangtung province in China, he graduated from Lingnan Christian College in Canton in 1911 and from Ching Hua College in Peking in 1913. He continued his studies in the United States under the auspices of the "Boxer Indemnity" fund in 1914, earning a bachelor's degree from Yale University in 1917 and a master's degree from Columbia University in 1918.

Lee taught Chinese history and language at the University of Hawaii from 1922 to 1943 before becoming professor of Chinese culture and head of the department of foreign studies at Michigan State University in September 1943 where he remained until his retirement in 1960. While at Michigan State, Lee helped to found and served as director of the International Center from 1944-1952. Lee was the John Hay Whitney Foundation Visiting Profesor of Oriental Studies at Bates College from 1960-1961.

Lee published several articles and books, including China: Ancient and Modern and An Outline History of the United States (in Chinese). He also edited Henry Inn's well known book, Chinese Houses and Gardens.

Lee was married to Nora Chi-oi Wong of Canton, China on December 20, 1922. They had one daughter, Sophie.

Extent

595 pages

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

A presumably unpublished history of China written by Shao Chang Lee (1891-1977), a noted authority on Chinese history and religion who taught at Bates College as a visiting professor.