184 REVIEWS OF RECENT BOOKS 



numerous illustrations. The beautiful idea, whether expressed by the 

 brush as literature, or by the same brush in painting, or combined on 

 the same sheet, is the cynosure of Chinese art, and places Chinese 

 painting in a class by itself, which almost excuses the comparative 

 absence of direct nature study. The synthetic nature of Chinese paint- 

 ing and its dependence on imaginative thought is interestingly deve- 

 loped. 



A dissertation is given of the papers and silks used in writing and 

 painting in the different dynasties ; and one can only express a wish 

 that in a subsequent edition photomicrographs may be given which 

 would undoubtedly prove valuable for identification purposes. 



Altogether a most interesting and valuable contribution to the 

 study of Chinese art by one who has the Chinese records at his fingers' 

 ends ; treated in an original manner ; and should call forth the gratitude' 

 of all students of that fascinating and elusive subject Chinese art. 



Arthur Stanley. 



Modern China. A Political Study. By Sih-Gung Cheng, m.a. Oxford : 



At The Clarendon Press. 

 This is an admirable book both in style and substance. It gives a 

 comprehensive survey of the political economy of China. Mr. Cheng 

 discusses current Chinese political and economic problems. It is 

 judicial in its judgments and just in its estimate of conditions, as they 

 relate both to Chinese parties and foreigners. In his introductory 

 chapter the author treats of the historical ideals of government in 

 China, that is to say the ideal founded on Confucian tradition. The 

 conception is lofty depending on men rather than method in its 

 operations ; as the Chinese say a bad ruler will make a mess even of 

 good principles, but the right man will make a good government with 

 poor materials. This of course has its dangers since it offers great 

 opportunities to tyranny and opens the way for the Autocrat. Mr. Cheng 

 presents the historical march of events that resulted in a republic 

 without many republicans. He dispassionately discusses the present 

 impasse and the seizure of power by the militarists. So that he is 

 doubtful whether the revolution has finished its work. Constitution 

 making, as every one knows, is a difficult job : on pages 126-128 Mr. 

 Cheng offers a solution to the problem of China. He still clings to the 

 old idea that men are more important than forms. Few will be ready 

 to quarrel with him. And the pity is that there are so few men in this 

 most populous of countries. He has much to say, and his judgements 

 are very sane, on Exterritoriality : the discussion on the fiscal depen- 



