Republished old books illuminate China

The 19th and early 20th centuries saw an outpouring of illuminating English-language books about China by Western travelers. Most tales have been forgotten. Now many are back in print, writes Yao Minji.
A republished series of old English-language books about China gives readers a window on how Chinese and foreigners got on in earlier days, especially during the mid- to late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most are by Westerners, a few by Chinese.