Customer Reviews (1)

An utterly charming introduction to Fr. Matteo Ricci, S.J.
If one had the option to read just one book about China, the Catholic Church, Jesuits, missions or anything related, this would be the book. Cronin's style is enchanting and romantic.That is not at all to say thathe exagerates or romanticizes his subject, Matteo Ricci.Rather, Cronintells the facts and the truth of Ricci's life and work better than I'veread in ages.It was really a joy to read.

Although it was written manyyears ago, it is not out of date and still well respected. It is a greatbook, as said in the headline, to introduce yourself to Ricci.

There areother good books about Ricci and the Jesuit missions in China, including'The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci' (which is excellent) but it would payto read Cronin first to set the background for the rest.

After reading"Wise Man Form the West" you will have a much better sense ofthose first tentative steps of Orient-Occident relations, a deep respectfor the old Jesuits Missionaries, the Chinese who welcomed and taught them,and most especially, for Matteo Ricci himself. This is, of course, thepurpose of Cronin's book, and he does so magnificently. ... Read more