Carl Crow

Carl Crow (1884-1945) was an American journalist, publisher, and businessman who spent much of his career in Shanghai, China between 1911-1937. He is primarily known for his writings about China and East Asia, as well as for establishing the first Western advertising agency in Shanghai. During his time in China, Crow wrote several influential books including "400 Million Customers" (1937) which detailed his observations of Chinese business practices and consumer behavior. His work as an advertising pioneer in China gave him unique insights into Chinese markets and culture during a pivotal period of modernization. Crow also served as a propagandist for China during WWI and documented key historical events like the Chinese Revolution of 1911. His books "The Great American Customer" (1937) and "Foreign Devils in the Flowery Kingdom" (1940) remain important first-hand accounts of pre-war China from a Western perspective. The final years of his career were spent writing about Japan's imperial ambitions, having fled Shanghai in 1937 ahead of the Japanese invasion. His work combines commercial insights with cultural observation, providing valuable historical documentation of early 20th century East Asia.

Readers value Crow's firsthand accounts of pre-war China, with many noting his detailed observations and accessible writing style. His book "400 Million Customers" receives particular attention for its practical business insights that remain relevant. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of Chinese business customs and social practices - Humorous anecdotes that illustrate cultural differences - Historical details about 1911-1937 Shanghai - Balanced perspective that avoids colonial attitudes common to that era Common criticisms: - Some dated language and attitudes - Occasional oversimplification of complex issues - Limited focus on Shanghai vs broader China - Some repetition across different works Ratings averages: Goodreads: "400 Million Customers" - 3.9/5 (147 ratings) "Foreign Devils in the Flowery Kingdom" - 3.8/5 (52 ratings) Amazon: "400 Million Customers" - 4.3/5 (28 reviews) "Foreign Devils in the Flowery Kingdom" - 4.1/5 (12 reviews) One reader noted: "His observations about Chinese business culture could have been written yesterday rather than 80 years ago."

400 Million Customers (1937) Observations and insights about Chinese consumers and business practices, based on Crow's experiences as an advertising executive in Shanghai.

Foreign Devils in the Flowery Kingdom (1940) A historical account of Western traders and missionaries in China from the 1800s to the early 1900s.

The Chinese Are Like That (1938) Analysis of Chinese social customs, business methods, and daily life from Crow's perspective as a long-term resident.

I Speak for the Chinese (1937) Examination of Chinese perspectives on international relations and conflicts during the 1930s.

Japan's Dream of World Empire: The Tanaka Memorial (1942) Analysis of a controversial document purportedly outlining Japan's plans for Asian conquest.

Master Kung: The Story of Confucius (1938) Biography of Confucius exploring his life, teachings, and influence on Chinese culture.

The Great American Customer (1943) Study of American consumer behavior and marketing practices in the early 20th century.

He Opened the Door of Japan (1939) Biography of Townsend Harris, the first United States Consul General to Japan.

Red Star Over China (1959) Historical context of the rise of Chinese communism and the Chinese Communist Party.

Peter Fleming wrote about his travels and observations in Asia during the 1930s, including detailed accounts of life in China and interactions with local cultures. His writing style combines historical insights with personal experiences, similar to Crow's approach in documenting Asian society.

Edgar Snow produced firsthand accounts of China during pivotal periods, including extensive coverage of Chinese Communist forces and social movements. His work, like Crow's, provides both journalistic observation and cultural analysis of China in the early-to-mid 20th century.

Theodore White reported on China during World War II and wrote about Chinese politics and society from direct experience. His combination of political analysis and cultural observation parallels Crow's method of documenting Chinese life and business practices.

Harold Isaacs documented China's transformative periods and wrote about Sino-American relations based on years of direct experience. His work shares Crow's focus on the intersection of Chinese society, politics, and foreign relations.

John Gunther wrote about Asia and other regions through a combination of journalism and travel writing, with attention to social and political details. His inside perspective on different societies mirrors Crow's approach to documenting foreign cultures and systems.