Chinese Diaries 1941-1946: Robert Payne's Intimate Account of Wartime China

Robert Payne's Chinese Diaries 1941-1946 is a remarkable collection of firsthand accounts that offers a unique glimpse into the experiences of civilians and soldiers during the Second World War in China. Composed over five years, the diaries provide an intimate and often heartbreaking record of the human cost of war. They also offer valuable insights into the complexities of Chinese society and politics during a time of great upheaval.

Historical Context

The Second World War in China began in 1937 with the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. Over the next eight years, the conflict would engulf much of the country, causing widespread death and destruction. The Chinese people endured immense suffering during the war, as cities were bombed, civilians were massacred, and food and supplies were scarce.

Robert Payne was a British journalist who arrived in China in 1941. He quickly became involved in the war effort, working as a correspondent and translator. His diaries offer a firsthand account of the fighting, the atrocities committed by both sides, and the resilience of the Chinese people.

Chinese Diaries: 1941-1946

by Robert Payne

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1680 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	517 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Diaries

Payne's diaries are a rich source of information about the human cost of war. They contain vivid descriptions of battles, bombings, and executions. They also document the daily struggles of civilians, who faced hunger, disease, and the constant threat of violence.

In one entry, Payne writes about a visit to a refugee camp:

> "I saw thousands of people living in the most appalling conditions. They were packed together like animals, with no sanitation or medical care. They were dying of hunger and disease. It was a scene of unimaginable misery."

Payne's diaries also provide valuable insights into the complexities of Chinese society and politics. He writes about the corruption and inefficiency of the Nationalist government, as well as the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party. He also documents the tensions between different ethnic groups in China, and the widespread discrimination against women.

In one entry, Payne writes about a conversation he had with a Chinese friend:

> "He told me that the Chinese people were tired of war. They wanted peace, but they didn't know how to achieve it. The Nationalists were corrupt and incompetent. The Communists were ruthless and dogmatic. He didn't know which side to support."

Significance

Robert Payne's Chinese Diaries 1941-1946 are an invaluable primary source for understanding the experiences of civilians and soldiers during the Second World War in China. They provide a unique and often heartbreaking record of the human cost of war. They also offer valuable insights into the complexities of Chinese society and politics during a time of great upheaval.

The diaries have been praised by historians and scholars for their accuracy, detail, and insights. They have been used extensively in books and articles about the Second World War in China. They have also been translated into several languages and are widely read around the world.

Robert Payne's Chinese Diaries 1941-1946 are an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the experiences of civilians and soldiers during the Second World War in China. They provide a unique and often heartbreaking record of the human cost of war. They also offer valuable insights into the complexities of Chinese society and politics during a time of great upheaval.

Further Reading

• Chinese Diaries 1941-1946 by Robert Payne
• The Second World War in China by Britannica
• Robert Payne by Spartacus Educational

Chinese Diaries: 1941-1946

by Robert Payne

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1680 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	517 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE