Chinese Dreams in Romantic England: The Life and Times of Thomas Manning

Thomas Manning was a British polymath, part of the first wave of Romanticism, who studied Chinese language and culture. Inspired by the French Revolution, he traveled to China, including Paris, war, shipwreck, and Tibet, meeting the Dalai Lama. His story sheds new light on English Romanticism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Thomas Manning, a remarkable polymath and a key figure in the initial surge of British Romanticism, stands as one of the pioneering English individuals to delve into the study of Chinese language and culture. In the company of esteemed companions such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Charles Lamb, Manning drew inspiration from the transformative French Revolution and harbored grand aspirations for creating a better world. Unlike his contemporaries who sought solace in the poetic imagination and the picturesque landscapes of England, Manning cast his gaze beyond the horizons, toward China, a civilization renowned for its ancient wisdom and remarkable sophistication.

Manning's extensive travels took him to various captivating destinations. He graced the salons of Napoleonic Paris, endured a period of captivity as a prisoner of war, witnessed a dramatic shipwreck, and even embarked on a daring expedition disguised as a Buddhist pilgrim, traversing the treacherous Himalayas to reach Tibet. In Tibet, he had the privilege of encountering the revered Dalai Lama.

The extraordinary journey of Thomas Manning not only broadens our understanding of English Romanticism but also offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of cultural exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. His story serves as a testament to the boundless curiosity and adventurous spirit of the Romantic era, reminding us of the importance of venturing beyond our familiar realms and embracing the richness of diverse cultures.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 242 x 165 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526164551