In China, John Leighton Stuart (1876-1962) is a controversial figure occupying an important position in the history of modern China and Sino-U.S. relations. This book is a comprehensive and systematic study of Stuart's missionary-educator's career in China.

In China, John Leighton Stuart (1876-1962) is a controversial figure occupying an important position in the history of modern China and Sino-U.S. relations. As a scholar and educator, Stuart loved Chinese culture and contributed much to the development of Chinese education. While as a missionary, he was inherently prejudiced against Marxism. As the U.S. ambassador to China, Stuart executed U.S. government's policy, and was finally stereotyped as a symbol of "American imperialism". This book is a comprehensive and systematic study of Stuart's missionary-educator's career in China. It gives a detailed account of Stuart's missionary activities and contribution to the establishment and development of Yenching University as the founding president in China. Yenching, founded in 1919, left a significant and lasting legacy to Chinese education. It also contributed much to western studies on Asian culture with the Harvard-Yenching Institute established in 1928. By collecting substantial relevant materials both at home and abroad, both published and unpublished, this book reveals the multidimensional and complex features of Stuart, getting rid of the stereotype. Academic and general readers interested in Stuart, missionary education in modern China and modern Chinese history will be attracted by this book.

"This remarkable historical account of the life of an influential American missionary educator is translated from an original Chinese version...This book provides an empathetic and balanced assessment of the many different angles and aspects of Stuart's life. The historical context is clearly presented and the political complexities are dealt with in a fair minded way, highlighting the remarkable connections Stuart had with political and scholarly leaders across a wide spectrum, not only in the Nationalist Party but also in the Communist Party of China. There is a sympathetic understanding of the ways in which he was torn in terms of political loyalties and religious commitments. Probably the greatest strength of the book lies in the rich array of historical documents drawn upon, which allow the voices of students, faculty members and a wide range of social and political leaders and thinkers to be heard." - Ruth Hayhoe, University of Toronto