Frederic Wakeman

Frederic Wakeman (1937-2006) was an influential American historian and sinologist who specialized in modern Chinese history, particularly focusing on Republican-era China and Shanghai's political and social transformation. As a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Wakeman produced several seminal works including "The Great Enterprise: The Manchu Reconstruction of Imperial Order in Seventeenth-Century China" and "Policing Shanghai 1927-1937." His research on Shanghai's underworld, police systems, and social networks helped establish new frameworks for understanding China's urban development and modernization. Wakeman served as president of the Social Science Research Council and the American Historical Association, contributing significantly to the field of Chinese studies in Western academia. His work "Strangers at the Gate: Social Disorder in South China, 1839-1861" remains a crucial text for understanding the social impact of the Opium Wars and their aftermath. His writing style combined meticulous archival research with narrative sophistication, making complex historical topics accessible while maintaining scholarly rigor. The numerous awards and honors he received, including the Joseph Levenson Prize, reflect his lasting impact on the study of modern Chinese history.

Readers consistently highlight Wakeman's ability to balance academic depth with engaging storytelling. On Goodreads, his books average 4.2/5 stars across approximately 500 ratings. What readers liked: - Detailed research and extensive use of primary sources - Clear explanations of complex political situations - Strong narrative flow unusual for academic works - Specific insights into Shanghai's social dynamics - Integration of multiple perspectives and sources What readers disliked: - Dense academic language in some sections - Length and detail can be overwhelming for casual readers - Some chapters heavy on statistics and data - Limited availability of his works in digital format From Amazon (3.9/5 stars across titles): "Makes scholarly content digestible without oversimplifying" - Academic reviewer "Required reading for understanding modern China" - Student reviewer "Too much detail bogs down the narrative" - General reader Academia.edu reviews emphasize his influence on Chinese urban history studies, with particular praise for his analysis of Shanghai's police systems and social networks. Note: Online review data is limited as many of his works predate widespread internet reviews.

The Hucksters (1946) A satirical novel about the advertising industry in post-war America, following a radio advertising executive's moral struggles in a ruthless business environment.

Shore Leave (1944) A wartime romance chronicling the relationship between a sailor and a woman during his brief shore leave in San Francisco.

Kiss Them for Me (1944) A story about three Naval aviators on leave in San Francisco during World War II, depicting their experiences and encounters in the city.

Saxon Charms (1947) A narrative exploring the life of a university professor dealing with personal and professional challenges in academia.

Deluxe Tour (1956) A novel following American tourists traveling through post-war Europe, examining their interactions and cultural experiences.

The Wastrel (1961) A tale of a Hollywood writer's descent into alcoholism and his attempts at redemption.

Inside Out (1964) The story of an advertising executive's midlife crisis and his journey of self-discovery across Europe.

Raymond Chandler writes about private detectives and crime in mid-century Los Angeles with hard-boiled dialogue and complex plots. His Philip Marlowe character navigates corruption and moral ambiguity in ways similar to Wakeman's protagonists.

James M. Cain focuses on crime stories set in California during the 1930s and 1940s, featuring characters caught in downward spirals. His work shares Wakeman's interest in exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of poor choices.

Cornell Woolrich creates suspense narratives about ordinary people trapped in dangerous situations, often in urban settings. His stories deal with psychological tension and paranoia comparable to Wakeman's work.

Kenneth Fearing combines crime fiction with social commentary, examining American society and its institutions. His characters, like Wakeman's, struggle with identity and purpose in modern urban environments.

William Lindsay Gresham writes about the underbelly of American life, particularly focusing on grifters and carnival culture. His work shares Wakeman's interest in exposing corruption and examining human weakness.