The Man Who Loved China

The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom, published by Harper, recounts the life of Joseph Needham (1900-1995). Needham was a Cambridge University biochemist who became obsessed with China and wrote Science and Civilization of China, a twenty-four-volume study of Chinese history and culture that assisted in introducing the West to the East. Simon Winchester, author of The Man Who Loved China, talked about his book with John Major, senior lecturer of the China Institute at the Asia Society in New York City. Topics included Needham’s idiosyncrasies, how he came to visit China, and his unwillingness to speak out against Chinese leadership. Following the discussion, Mr. Winchester answered questions from the audience.

Simon Winchester is the author of numerous books, including The Professor and the Madman, The Map That Changed the World, and Krakatoa. Mr. Winchester has written for several public close