On a Chinese screen
About this book
On a Chinese Screen was first published in 1922 by Heinemann Publishers, London. Its 58 short vignettes are based on Maugham’s travels along the Yangtze River from 1919 to 1920. Although later editions of the book added the subtitle “Sketches of Life in China,” there are actually only a few descriptions of the places he visited and the local Chinese people he met; rather, Maugham focuses on relaying his encounters with a range of Europeans living and working in the country. Maugham is quite critical of many of them and their lack of interest in, and sometimes disdain, for the country and its people, except for the extent to which their careers and pockets could benefit. His sketches highlight the difficulties that many expatriates encounter while living in a foreign culture.
Reader Profile
3.8/5 · 6 readers · 242 pages · ≈ 4 h 29 m · Challenging
How long does it take to read On a Chinese screen?
About ≈ 4 h 29 m — 242 pages, assuming roughly 250 words per page at 225 words per minute.
How many pages is On a Chinese screen?
242 pages in its most-read edition.
What genre is On a Chinese screen?
It sits on the Travel, Biography & Memoir shelves.
Is On a Chinese screen in the public domain?
Yes — it is free to read and share.
Who are the main characters in On a Chinese screen?
The main characters include W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965).
Where does On a Chinese screen take place?
It is set in China during 20th century.
Who wrote On a Chinese screen?
William Somerset Maugham.
Where can I read On a Chinese screen online for free?
It is in the public domain — read it free on Open Library