Frederic Wakeman Jr.

Frederic Wakeman Jr. (1937-2006) was an influential American historian and sinologist who specialized in modern Chinese history, particularly focusing on the Republican period (1912-1949). His most notable works include "The Great Enterprise: The Manchu Reconstruction of Imperial Order in Seventeenth-Century China" and "Policing Shanghai 1927-1937," which examined the complex social and political dynamics of China's largest city during a pivotal period. His 1995 book "The Shanghai Badlands: Wartime Terrorism and Urban Crime, 1937-1941" further established him as a leading authority on Shanghai's criminal underworld and political intrigue. As a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Wakeman helped shape the field of Chinese studies in the United States while training numerous scholars who went on to become prominent historians. His research methodology combined rigorous archival work with innovative analytical approaches, setting new standards for scholarship in modern Chinese history. Wakeman's academic contributions earned him numerous accolades, including presidency of the Social Science Research Council and membership in both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society. His work continues to influence scholars' understanding of modern Chinese urban society, crime, and state formation.

Readers value Wakeman's detailed research and ability to bring historical Shanghai to life through criminal underworld narratives and political analysis. Academic reviewers note his skill at weaving together complex historical threads while maintaining readability. Liked: - Deep archival research and primary source usage - Clear explanations of complex political relationships - Vivid descriptions of Shanghai street life and crime networks - Balance between academic rigor and engaging narrative style Disliked: - Dense academic prose can be challenging for general readers - Some sections contain lengthy theoretical discussions - Chinese language terms and references can overwhelm non-specialists Ratings averages: Goodreads: "Policing Shanghai" - 4.1/5 (47 ratings) "Shanghai Badlands" - 3.9/5 (28 ratings) "Great Enterprise" - 4.3/5 (21 ratings) One academic reviewer wrote: "Wakeman expertly navigates both high politics and street-level dynamics." A general reader noted: "Rich in detail but requires commitment to get through the academic sections."

Policing Shanghai, 1927-1937 (1995) Analysis of the Nationalist government's attempts to control crime and political dissidence in Shanghai during the Nanjing Decade.

The Shanghai Badlands: Wartime Terrorism and Urban Crime, 1937-1941 (1996) Examination of criminal activities and violence in Shanghai during the Japanese occupation.

Spymaster: Dai Li and the Chinese Secret Service (2003) Biography of Dai Li and detailed study of the operations of the Nationalist regime's intelligence organization.

Red Star Over Shanghai: The Communist Transformation of Shanghai's Police, 1949-1952 (1995) Documentation of how the Chinese Communist Party reorganized Shanghai's police force after taking control of the city.

Strangers at the Gate: Social Disorder in South China, 1839-1861 (1966) Analysis of social unrest and rebellion in Guangdong province during the mid-nineteenth century.

The Fall of Imperial China (1975) Overview of the decline and collapse of China's last imperial dynasty, the Qing.

History and Will: Philosophical Perspectives of Mao Tse-tung's Thought (1973) Analysis of Mao Zedong's philosophical ideas and their relationship to Chinese history and Marxism.

Jonathan Spence writes scholarly works on Chinese history with a focus on intellectual and social transformations during the Ming and Qing dynasties. His research methods and narrative approach share similarities with Wakeman's work on modern Chinese history.

Lloyd Eastman specializes in Republican-era Chinese politics and society, particularly the Nationalist period. His examination of political structures and social change aligns with Wakeman's interests in urban China and power dynamics.

Joseph Esherick focuses on modern Chinese social history with emphasis on rural rebellion and revolution. His work on the Boxer Uprising and Chinese Communist revolution complements Wakeman's studies of social movements and political change.

Philip Kuhn examines Chinese institutional history and social rebellion during the Qing period. His analysis of state-society relations parallels Wakeman's interest in how power operates at different levels of Chinese society.

William Rowe studies local society and urban development in late imperial China, particularly Hankou. His research on city life and commercial networks connects with Wakeman's work on Shanghai and urban Chinese society.