Royal Asiatic Society Suzhou – First Anniversary and Fenby on the Generalissimo

Posted: March 14th, 2012 | No Comments »

RAS WEEKENDER

Saturday 17^th March 2012 at 3.00pm

Venue: Meeting Point to be advised to participants

Destination: The Suzhou Bookworm

RAS Suzhou Chapter 1^st Anniversary in conjunction with Suzhou Literary Festival

JONATHON FENBY

on

CHIANG KAI SHEK: The Early Years (Part 1)

Come celebrate the first anniversary of the Suzhou chapter of the Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) with a talk by Jonathan Fenby on the early life of Chiang Kai Shek, followed by a reception hosted by the RAS. Mr. Fenby will trace the rise of Chiang from 1911 to 1937, against the backdrop of a country torn apart by feuding warlords, ruthless gangsters, greedy colonials and pugnacious political parties including the epic Northern Expedition to Shanghai, the White terror purge of Communists and the establishment of the Nationalist government in Nanjing. He will talk about Chiang’s early life, how he came to lead the Kuomingdang, his turn against the Communists, the period of the Long March, his marriage to the glamorous US educated Song Meiling, the loss of Manchuria and the surrounding events. Mr. Fenby will conclude this lecture, with the advent of full-scale war. The second lecture covering the years from 1937 – 1948 and the flight to Taiwan will be held later in the year at RAS Shanghai as Part 2.

Mr. Jonathan Fenby, CBE, is the author of a biography of Chiang Kai Shek and of “The Penguin History of Modern China: The Fall and Rise of a Great Power, 1850-2009”. He speaks at conferences, universities and public forums on China. He is currently Director, China Research at the research service Trusted Sources. He has written many other books on China, World War II and France as well as contributing to many publications. He was previously the editor of The Observer and the South China Morning Post.

Entrance: RMB 200.00(RAS members) and RMB 300.00 (non-members). Includes bus trip to and from Shanghai, Suzhou Literary Festival ticket for the lecture and drinks and snacks at the RAS Suzhou 1^st Anniversary reception.  Those unable to make the donation but wishing to attend may contact us for part exemption, prior to the RAS Weekender. Membership applications and membership renewals will be available at this event.

RSVP: to RAS Bookings at: bookings@royalasiaticsociety.org.cn

N.B. Reservations are essential for this event as places are limited.

PROGRAMME FOR RAS SUZHOU 1^ST ANNIVERSARY

3.00pm Meet at designated meet point in central Shanghai, to be advised to all participants

3.15pm Leave by bus to Suzhou, where we will arrive at The Suzhou Bookworm around 4.15pm

5.00pm Lecture by Mr. Jonathan Fenby on Chiang Kai Shek: The Early Years (Part 1)

6.00pm Q & A with Mr. Fenby

6.30pm Conclusion of lecture proceedings and join the reception and celebrations for RAS Suzhou 1^st Anniversary with drinks and snacks provided by the RAS Suzhou and the Suzhou Bookworm

9.30pm Bus for return to Shanghai

A special dinner menu will be available from The Suzhou Bookworm at an additional charge of (TBA)

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