The volume approaches the relations between China and the Catholic Church in a quite comprehensive and unprejudiced way. Its approach is new since it clarifies the root of the persistent antagonism of both the imperial and republican Chinese Authorities toward the Catholic Church: no matter how the Catholic approach has been, they kept their Sino-centric attitude. It also points out the lack of a truly objective and complete understanding of China by the Western society, including Catholic missionaries: from a blind admiration to a negative evaluation, determined by contingent circumstances and motivations. It tries to clarify myths and stereotyped understandings, that have been created during the historical process, including the role of the Jesuits and in particular of Fr. Matteo Ricci. It also pays particular attention to the role of the Vatican in the recent religious policy of Chinese Government.

The reading of the book could be enlightening especially for academics, universitystudents and Christian clergy interested in the history of Catholic Missions in China.

Sergio Ticozzi, a researcher of the Holy Spirit Study Centre in Hong Kong for the past 15 years and a contributor to its publication Tripod. He is a native of Milan, Italy, and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1968 after completing philosophical and theological studies at the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions. He did English studies in London, Chinese language and cultural studies at the New Asia College in Hong Kong. In addition to working in Hong Kong since 1969, mainly in the field of pastoral work and education, he worked for seven years as translator in Beijing and six years as an educator in the Philippines. His interests include issues of contemporary Chinese society, the history of Chinese Religions, the history of the Catholic Church, both in Hong Kong and in China.