Reviews

The forest of the title is a metaphor for the classical culture of China, set to the torch by the Communists. In this collection of essays, Leys celebrates that heritage and decries Maoismwhose leaders he terms ``an incompetent and half-literate ruling class.'' The book's most rewarding passages examine aspects of Chinese history and culture, showing an acute appreciation of the Chinese worldview and its traditional expressions. The author's analysis of contemporary China, recounting abuses of the Communist regime (particularly during the Cultural Revolution), analyzing its major figures and projecting its future, is informed and articulate. Too often, though, his commentary descends from the sharp to the splenetic, particularly when critiquing other China watchers and academics. In all, a provocative look at China and its prospects by the author of Chinese Shadows. Leys is the pseudonym of Pierre Ryckmans, who teaches at an Australian university. January

Leys, best known for his Chinese Shadows ( LJ 7/77), continues in that vein of scandalously enjoyable and bilious wit. He ridicules China's foreign friends and self-promoting experts for their ``double vision'' and condescending failure to hold China up to humane standards on questions of human rights, political democracy, and economic development. He offers little positive information or analysis, however, preferring debunking to analyzing. There is also a charming and informative essay on the Fathers Huc and Gabet, whose chronicle of China travel, Travels in Tartary , is an unjustly neglected classic. These essays have been previously published, but most often in inaccessible journals. Leys fans will therefore welcome this collection. Charles W. Hayford, History Dept., Northwestern Univ., Evanston, Ill.