Cartooning China

This insightful exploration of cartoons highlights the complex perceptions of China in British society, particularly through the lens of Cartooning China and its historical context.

This book delves into the extensive collection of cartoons depicting China and the Chinese, published in the renowned British satirical magazine Punch from 1841 to 1901. Over these sixty years, Cartooning China serves as a lens through which we can examine the evolving perceptions of China within British society during a time marked by significant political and cultural shifts.

The illustrations within Cartooning China are rich with political metaphors and racial stereotypes, functioning as both a reflection and an influencer of attitudes toward China during a tumultuous period in Sino-British relations. Through a detailed analysis of the visual and textual satires presented in Punch, the author uncovers how British society visualized and interacted with China, as well as Britain's place within the global landscape.

Additionally, this book contextualizes the cartoons within broader socio-cultural and political discussions in Britain. It encourages a critical examination of popular culture's role in shaping public consciousness, race relations, and geopolitical narratives. Featuring a diverse array of illustrations, Cartooning China is an essential resource for scholars in cultural studies, political history, and media studies, as well as for readers interested in the history of Punch and Sino-British interactions.