The West and China since 1500 / John S. Gregory.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 206-225) and index.

A wide world apart, with differing views of heaven and earth -- Coming together, rather slowly and on China's terms (1500-1800). The traders ; The missionaries ; China and the Jesuits help enlighten Europe ; The diplomats -- Closer encounters, on the West's terms (1800-1900). The opium trade ; The treaty system ; The missionary confrontation ; The West changes its image of China -- Hither and thither, in search of comfortable common ground (1900-2001). China begins to scramble to its feet, and the treaty system to unscramble (1900-28) ; Together on the road to Pearl Harbor, and beyond (1928-49) ; Backwards and forwards with Mao and his successors -- Conclusion : peering ahead, uncertainly.