Foreword by Robert Eric Frykenberg "I wanted to know more about this fascinating, conflicted man. How could one be so arrogant, insecure, linguistically talented, pious, and yet willing to assist the opium trade; impatient with authority and yet able to hold an office with the Hong Kong administration for a decade; an ardent Protestant evangelist and yet willing to act as a scout for British troops during the Opium War?" - Jessie G. Lutz (from the preface)
Western evangelists have long been fascinated by China, a vast mission field with a unique language and culture. One of the most intrigued was also one of the most intriguing: Karl F. A. Gutzlaff. In Opening China Jessie Lutz follows Gutzlaff from his youth in Germany to his conversion and subsequent turn to missions to his turbulent time in Asia. Lutz also includes a substantial bibliography consisting of (1) archival sources, (2) selected books, pamphlets, tracts, and translations by Gutzlaff, and (3) books, periodicals, and articles. This is truly an important reference for any student of the history of China or missions.