“In his engrossing and often surprising biography of George Kates, Mr. Roote takes us on a journey into a kind of heart of darkness: one extraordinary man’s search for a perfect world, his astonishing discovery of it, and his final, lingering exile from what he had loved most” -- Fergus M. Bordewich, author of Cathay, America’s Great Debate, Bound for Canaan, Washington: the Making of the American Capital and other titles.
"Must-read for fans of 'The Years That Were Fat', and anyone interested in old - and new - Beijing" -- Michael Meyer, author of 'In Manchuria' and 'The Last Days of Old Beijing'.
"John Roote has done a remarkable job in tracking down one of America’s earliest sinologists, George N. Kates. A Love Affair with Old Beijing, is a welcome edition to 'quest literature'. New York, Harvard, Hollywood, Peking, fellowships, books and an art collection: Kates appeared to have a charmed life but it ended in anonymity and genteel poverty. Roote has succeeded in capturing it all" -- Shareen Blair Brysac, co-author with Karl E. Meyer of The China Collectors: America’ Century-Long Hunt for Asian Art Treasures
Revealing, romantic, sometimes humorous, often tragic, the fascinating and entertaining untold story of the life and adventures of a brilliant American writer whose appreciation for the hidden world of Chinese urban life have charmed generations of readers.
George Kates is best known for his widely acclaimed memoir of life in pre-Revolutionary Beijing. John Roote delves deep into the American’s Chinese world and for the first time explores the mystery of what he was doing there and what became of him. Kates’ real-life exploits offer an insightful view of the pioneering American spirit and the worlds of China and America of the 1920’s and 30’s, and a man captivated by an unrelenting, but ultimately frustrated, love for the beauty and mystery of classical Chinese culture.
About the Author:
Trained as a lawyer, with an international career in Finance, and forensic investigation, John Roote has turned his critical eye toward Chinese history and culture. Born and educated in England, Roote has lived much of his life in the United States.
In addition to this account of George Kates’ life, the author has republished Kates’ original memoir – The Years That Were Fat, Peking 1933-1941. He is currently investigating the story of the destruction of the Chinese Emperor’s Summer Palace by a Western army in 1860 and the looting of the Imperial art collection.
"Must-read for fans of 'The Years That Were Fat', and anyone interested in old - and new - Beijing" -- Michael Meyer, author of 'In Manchuria' and 'The Last Days of Old Beijing'.
"John Roote has done a remarkable job in tracking down one of America’s earliest sinologists, George N. Kates. A Love Affair with Old Beijing, is a welcome edition to 'quest literature'. New York, Harvard, Hollywood, Peking, fellowships, books and an art collection: Kates appeared to have a charmed life but it ended in anonymity and genteel poverty. Roote has succeeded in capturing it all" -- Shareen Blair Brysac, co-author with Karl E. Meyer of The China Collectors: America’ Century-Long Hunt for Asian Art Treasures
Revealing, romantic, sometimes humorous, often tragic, the fascinating and entertaining untold story of the life and adventures of a brilliant American writer whose appreciation for the hidden world of Chinese urban life have charmed generations of readers.
George Kates is best known for his widely acclaimed memoir of life in pre-Revolutionary Beijing. John Roote delves deep into the American’s Chinese world and for the first time explores the mystery of what he was doing there and what became of him. Kates’ real-life exploits offer an insightful view of the pioneering American spirit and the worlds of China and America of the 1920’s and 30’s, and a man captivated by an unrelenting, but ultimately frustrated, love for the beauty and mystery of classical Chinese culture.
About the Author:
Trained as a lawyer, with an international career in Finance, and forensic investigation, John Roote has turned his critical eye toward Chinese history and culture. Born and educated in England, Roote has lived much of his life in the United States.
In addition to this account of George Kates’ life, the author has republished Kates’ original memoir – The Years That Were Fat, Peking 1933-1941. He is currently investigating the story of the destruction of the Chinese Emperor’s Summer Palace by a Western army in 1860 and the looting of the Imperial art collection.
