Lords of the Rim: The Invisible Empire of the Overseas Chinese
Author: Sterling Seagrave
List Price: $27.50
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ISBN: 0399140115
Publisher: Putnam Pub Group (November, 2000)
Sales Rank: 175,333
Average Customer Rating: 4 out of 5
Customer Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5
Refreshing & Thought Provoking
This book gives a compelling view of the world of the expatriate Chinese, whom many have been settled throughout the world. Some may be rich and some may be poor. It gives a very in-depth explaination of what and how the expatriate Chinese came about and why they are so. Being a descendent of expatriate Chinese myself, I find this book very refreshing and provides me with a clearer picture of the intricacies of the workings of the Chinese, particularly in South East Asian countries. Besides that, Mr. Seagrave has also shown how the networks of the Chinese have come about and gives me a sense of things to come about. After reading this book, the reader will no doubt gain a better understanding of the cultural differences between the west and the east, particularly the Chinese. This points to a greater opportunity of cooperation and understanding between cultures and thus between governments and businesses of the west and the east.
Rating: 5 out of 5
A vivid and accurate analysis of the reality of China.
I was struck by a feeling of deja-vu and at the same time clarity when reading this book. Having lived in Japan as a junior high and high school student, I am accutely aware of the competitiveness of Chinese students and their families. Furthermore, as a current resident in the Philippines, and previously other islands in the South Pacific, I am aware of the power of the Chinese to control the fundamental survival of their hosts. Should there be a Chinese holiday declared in Asia, other than in South Korea or mainland Japan, one would be hard pressed to buy a screwdriver or a loaf of bread...much less a tank full of gasoline. It is reassuring that the paranoia and mistrust of the decades of the 1930's and 40's, alligned against the possibility of Axis espionage and deception, is today directed elsewhere. The question is where, and why.
Consider the fact that I've purchased this boolk in Asia as a paperback, paying one third the publisher's price for what has long been known as 'pirated' books. Publisher received nothing, perhaps author received nothing. Just a small example of chinese businessmen manipulating the market without concern for/ or control by morality or any concept of "fair play".
Good enough...go for it!! But let the rest of us be aware and beware!!!
Rating: 3 out of 5
needs a good editor
Lots of anecdotes, allegations and speculation = a hash of a thesis.
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