发布者： 第一版（W. W. Norton & Company，1990年）
Some history is read in archives, while some is read on Victoria Peak, accompanied by an iced drink. A coaster records Mr. Stephen Schlaikjer's leisurely reading time in Hong Kong before its handover in the 1990s.
This book, "The Search for Modern China," spans nearly 400 years of history, from 1600 (late Ming Dynasty) to 1989. It begins with the prosperity and turmoil of the late Ming Dynasty, profoundly analyzes the rise and heyday of the Qing Dynasty, its decline under imperialist impact in the late Qing, the outbreak of the Xinhai Revolution, the smoke of the Anti-Japanese War, until the establishment of modern China and its transformation after the Cultural Revolution.
First published in 1990
A rare Lifestyle Association Copy that captures the intellectual and social essence of a diplomat’s life in pre-handover Hong Kong.
• The Scholarly Anchor: This is the definitive work on Chinese history by the legendary Jonathan Spence. For a diplomat like Stephen Schlaikjer, this was the foundational text used to contextualize the rapid changes he witnessed daily.
• The "Hidden" Gem: Instead of a traditional bookmark, Schlaikjer used an original coaster from The Peak Lookout (formerly The Peak Cafe). This iconic restaurant, nestled atop Victoria Peak, was the quintessential gathering spot for Hong Kong’s elite, diplomats, and "China Hands."
• A Snapshot of Life: The coaster serves as a poignant "time stamp." One can almost imagine the diplomat reading Spence’s heavy historical analysis while overlooking the Hong Kong skyline, a gin and tonic in hand, during the twilight years of the British administration.
This collection perfectly illustrates what "history with warmth" means. It not only records China's historical process but also a diplomat's elegant afternoon in Hong Kong.
• Academic Benchmark: Jonathan Spence's "The Search for Modern China" needs no introduction; it is an essential authoritative historical work for every scholar studying China.
• The Most Beautiful "Bookmark": Tucked inside the book is an exquisite original coaster from The Peak Lookout restaurant in Hong Kong. In the 1990s, it was the favorite social hub for diplomats, business elites, and cultural figures. This coaster instantly imbues this weighty historical book with the evening breeze of Victoria Peak and a sense of social warmth.
• Material Culture Archive: For collectors, this coaster is not just a bookmark but also a physical archive of Hong Kong's lifestyle in the 1990s. It combines grand historical narratives with personal fragments of life, making it a highly attractive associated collection.
