The Power of Print in Modern China: Intellectuals and Industrial Publishing from the End of Empire to Maoist State Socialism is a non-fiction book by Robert Culp, published by Columbia University Press in 2019.
The book covers the subject starting with the Qing dynasty,[1] with the Republic of China getting the most coverage,[2] and ending with the Cultural Revolution. Commercial Press, World Book Company, and Zhonghua Book Company are the three companies with the most prominent coverage.[1] Fan Zhuang of the University of Macau stated that the book's chronology means it "captures the enormous changes in culture and society through the
lenses of printing and publishing."[3]
According to Zhuang, The Power of Print in Modern China has more of a focus on persons in the industry while Gutenberg in Shanghai focuses more on equipment and processes.[3]
Background
The author used diaries and memoirs as sourcing.[1]
Reception
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Robert E. Hegel stated that the summaries were useful for readers tracking complex arguments, the notes were "extensive and helpful", and that the writing was done in a "clear, concise" way.[2]
Ni, Veronica Huiliuqian (2020). "Robert Culp: The Power of Print in Modern China: Columbia University Press, New York, NY, 2019, 371 pp, $65.00, ISBN: 9780231545358". Publishing Research Quarterly. 36 (1): 189–190. doi:10.1007/s12109-020-09713-5.