{"product_id":"translating-china-as-cross-identity-performance-of-a-cultural","title":"Translating China as Cross-Identity Performance - of a Cultural","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Translating China as Cross-Identity Performance, the reviewer finds a tightly argued scholarly book best suited to readers interested in the cultural history of translation and identity. James St. Andre applies a cross-identity performance lens to translation practice, and the single biggest reason to read it is its sustained argument that techniques like passing, drag, mimicry, and masquerade illuminate how Chinese texts were rendered into English and French from the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries. This review highlights the book's method, historical scope, and its rewards for interdisciplinary readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCross-identity approach:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frames translation through performance techniques such as blackface, passing, and drag to recontextualize familiar source texts within their social histories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Surveys translations from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries, offering a long view of shifting practices and attitudes toward Chinese texts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterdisciplinary grounding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Draws on cultural studies, queer studies, and anthropology to connect translation choices to broader social meanings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClose readings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reads translated texts alongside contemporaneous materials that shaped the image of John Chinaman, giving readers concrete textual evidence for theoretical claims.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase study focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Devotes attention to figures such as George Psalmanazar whose cross-identity performance complicates early English-language representations of Formosa.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is well suited for scholars, graduate students, and informed general readers interested in translation studies, Asian cultural history, and identity performance. Readers who appreciate close historical contextualization and interdisciplinary theory will find \u003cstrong\u003euseful perspectives\u003c\/strong\u003e on how social practices shaped translation choices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose seeking a practical how-to guide for contemporary translation work or a simple overview of Chinese literature without theoretical framing should look elsewhere; the book is argumentative and most valuable when read with attention to its methodological stance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCompelling theoretical framework that links translation practice to performance traditions, making familiar material feel newly relevant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBroad historical sweep that shows continuity and change from the eighteenth to the twentieth century.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInterdisciplinary citations and case studies provide concrete support for the central argument.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFocus on figures like George Psalmanazar gives readers memorable, well-documented examples.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe book's academic tone and theoretical density may be challenging for casual readers seeking a light introduction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTranslating China as Cross-Identity Performance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJames St. Andre\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubject focus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTranslation history, cross-identity performance, cultural studies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLanguage coverage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTranslations into English and French\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHistorical scope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEighteenth to twentieth centuries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproaches used\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQueer studies, anthropology, cultural criticism\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranslating China as Cross-Identity Performance is a rewarding, intellectually rigorous study that repays careful reading; its value lies in reframing translation as a set of socially performed acts and in tracing how those acts shaped Western representations of Chinese subjects. Scholars and advanced students will find the book a worthwhile investment for its fresh interpretive lens and rich historical examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the book focus on any particular translators?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book discusses a range of translators and historical figures, with specific attention to emblematic cases such as George Psalmanazar to illustrate cross-identity performance in practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat time periods does it cover?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt spans translations and related materials from the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries, showing long-term developments in translation practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it suitable for nonacademic readers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile accessible in places, the book is primarily aimed at readers comfortable with academic theory and interdisciplinary analysis rather than casual readers seeking a general overview.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James St. Andre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48758792224987,"sku":"0824869877","price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71jNMvL34TL._SL1500.jpg?v=1778363304","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/translating-china-as-cross-identity-performance-of-a-cultural","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}