The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci

by Jonathan D. Spence and James D. Spence

Book Overview

In 1577, the Jesuit Priest Matteo Ricci set out from Italy to bring Christian faith and Western thought to Ming dynasty China. To capture the complex emotional and religious drama of Ricci's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140080988
• Release Date: September 1985
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.8" x 5.1"

Customer Reviews

Ricci left his soul and body in China!!

Prof. Spence wrote about Jesuit Ricci visited China with faith and scientific knowledge. With many gifts and relation connection after in Buddhist robe and Confucians outfit and became the honorable guest of the Ming Dynasty. He shared the visitor in historic detail so readers enjoy this romance. He developed his sharing into a few interesting Chinese words to keep readers to explore. Ricci was highly honored in the cultural exchange between East and West. He even left his body and soul in Peking after he dressed, spoke and acted as a naturalized Chinese citizen. He was loved even now by Chinese people than the Jesuits as he failed to bring the Chinese into the faith. The Pope in religious entity interfered the Chinese internal culture matter of honoring Confucius and ancestors and missionaries were asked to leave. It happened now and then politically and religiously!! Jonathan did a good job in showing the role of Ricci to China. Will American politicians follow Ricci steps to understand and appreciate China?

Matters of great moment

Spence's masterfully written book, a touching story of one man's devotion to a cause greater than himself, is a must read for all historians, especially those who want to learn more about the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, and their missions around the world. "The Memory Palace" is engaging--it reads like a mystery novel. I was unable to put it down until I was done for the book was an excellent read.

A Cross Cultural Gem

Having used this book in an upper division undergraduate history class, I recommend it to any reader interested in China's relations with Europe and the West or Western perception and understanding of China. An excellent account of cultural encounter and mutual exploration.

A fascinating book!

I loved this book. The mixture of history, mneumonic device, theology, missionary activity, and social and political thought is entrancing. Dr. Spence has displayed the cultural and spiritual ethos, not only of the title character, but of an era, place and time. The breadth of scholarship is impressive, as are the language and imagery used to present it. I cannot speak to the accuracy of the material presented, but am so intrigued, now, by the period, that I soon will be able to. I highly recommend this book.