This book investigates the complex interplay between American missionary efforts and their impact on both Chinese society and American perceptions of China during a critical historical period. John King Fairbank, a preeminent historian of China, draws upon extensive archival research and primary source materials to analyze the motivations, strategies, and consequences of the missionary enterprise. The work examines how these religious and cultural missions shaped diplomatic relations, influenced American foreign policy, and contributed to evolving understandings of East Asia in the United States.

This seminal work by John King Fairbank is widely regarded as a foundational text in the study of Sino-American relations and the history of Christian missions in China. Scholars consistently cite its comprehensive research and insightful analysis of the complex interactions between American religious endeavors and Chinese society. The book is valued for its nuanced perspective, which avoids simplistic judgments and instead explores the multifaceted consequences of the missionary enterprise.