On a Chinese Screen

On a Chinese Screen by W. Somerset Maugham is a travelogue that offers a series of observational sketches of China based on the author's journey through the country in the early 20th century. The book is not a traditional narrative but rather a collection of vivid descriptions and reflections on the people customs and landscapes Maugham encountered during his travels. Through his sharp eye for detail and dry wit Maugham presents a range of characters from ordinary citizens to local officials each offering a glimpse into the complexities of Chinese society at the time.Maugham’s writing though often infused with a sense of cultural curiosity and sometimes skepticism provides readers with insights into a China that was undergoing significant changes as it interacted with the West. The book reflects the author's personal observations of the culture the tension between tradition and modernity and the social dynamics of the period. On a Chinese Screen stands as an intriguing snapshot of China in the early 1900s offering both critical commentary and a reflective look at the author’s interactions with a world unfamiliar to many Westerners at the time.