Hermit Of Peking by Hugh Trevor-Roper

"Hermit of Peking" is a captivating biography that explores the enigmatic life of Sir Edmund Backhouse, a British sinologist and orientalist who lived in Beijing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book delves into Backhouse's controversial career, including his role as a scholar, his fraudulent historical documents, and his eccentric personal life. Drawing from a wealth of sources, the author critically examines Backhouse's contributions to Western perceptions of China, revealing a complex figure whose legacy is a blend of genuine scholarship and elaborate deceit.

The 9029th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 33

Since this book was first published in 1976, there is a penalty of 3.2%. The age adjusted score is 31.94.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.