The personal website and archive of Jeremiah Jenne
A collection of jottings, writings, published pieces, and inchoate thoughts
On the latest episode of Barbarians at the Gate, David Moser and I are joined by the excellent Jeffrey Wasserstrom to discuss Jeff's new research, the Boxer War, and whether or not Covid-19 is just the latest example of the Curse of the Metal Rat.
Jeremiah and new co-host David Moser talk about the language of public health and hygiene in China and the controversy around the phrase "Sick Man of Asia"
The coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan has morphed into a global panic. China's past suggests why epidemics are such an emotional issue
A quarter of a century ago today, Beijing witnessed a mass shooting incident from a rogue PLA soldier.
150 years ago this month, one of the most famous photographs in American history commemorated the completion of the transcontinental railway. But where are the Chinese workers who played a key role in building the railroad?
On April 15, 1989, former General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party died in Beijing. What came next changed China forever.
The mid-century scramble to stop priceless art and artefacts falling into the wrong hands saw country’s collection of imperial artefacts splinter
Nationalists transported their treasures to Taiwan, while newly minted People’s Republic allowed Forbidden City to preserve posterity
In October 1910, a mysterious illness appeared in the city of Manzhouli, on the Russian and Chinese border. Meet the doctor who stopped a deadly epidemic from spreading to the rest of Asia and possibly beyond.
Walk down any street in Kyoto and chances are you'll run into an old temple. Did Chinese architect and preservationist save the city from being destroyed in World War II?
Feckless sycophants at the National Museum have taken the Reform and Opening period, one of the most significant moments in Modern Chinese history, and turned it into the equivalent of a Xi Jinping dick pic.
Nothing is more annoying than the uncritical writer who arrives at a destination and proceeds to gush over the local culture. So when I say I love Taiwan, I do so with the full expectation that I may be simply exorcizing the accumulated demons of a life lived in Beijing. But you know what… I absolutely love Taiwan and let me tell you why.
You come at the Emperor, you best not miss. Understanding the 1911 Revolution with an assist from the writers and cast of The Wire.
Yeah, Beijing is a tough mistress, a city that a friend once compared to living in an abusive relationship. He’s now in Bangkok. I’m still here … for as long as they’ll let me stay.
Grant’s was a life lived in many acts: Soldier. Drunk. Failed businessman. Drunk. General. Drunk. President. Failed Businessman again. Tomb. He was also the first US president to visit China.
Since mid-November, police and security officials have evicted tens of thousands of migrants from their apartments, and pictures of the newly homeless from all across China sitting outside in the Beijing winter have spread widely on social media. Why did the city government take this step? And what does this mean for the rights of China’s so-called “low-end population”?
Which Chinese dynasty is most like the Sex Pistols? Which rap crew could have soundtracked the Khans? The rogue historian weighs in…
It’s 3:00 in the morning. You are sitting on a stool next to a drinks cart somewhere near “Pub Street” in Siem Reap. Beyond the reptilian core of your brainstem – the part devoted to maintaining respiration and sphincter function – you have a dim recollection of an appointment in three hours with Angkor Wat.
Probably the most commonly asked question in my classes is “What was Mao’s deal?” It’s a tough question to answer, even for folks from China. Approach ten people in a Beijing park, ask them about Mao and be prepared to get ten wildly different answers.
Jeremiah and David discuss the state of international education in China and the United States.
Professor Carter joins the Barbarians at the Gate podcast as we discuss the history of horse racing, colonialism, and the last days of Old Shanghai.
On the latest episode of Barbarians at the Gate, David Moser and I are joined by the excellent Jeffrey Wasserstrom to discuss Jeff's new research, the Boxer War, and whether or not Covid-19 is just the latest example of the Curse of the Metal Rat.
If you're missing your local bar or just a fan of the hooch, check out Derek Sandhaus' fascinating and frequently hilarious history of Chinese baijiu.
Jeremiah and David look back at their time working in China and look ahead to the future for foreigners in the Middle Kingdom
Jung Chang's latest book promises a fresh take on the story of the Soong Sisters but ultimately falls short.
Jeremiah and new co-host David Moser talk about the language of public health and hygiene in China and the controversy around the phrase "Sick Man of Asia"
I was studying Chinese and teaching history at a program at Peking University. It was my second year in Beijing and 2003 was my first spring. Then SARS hit.
The coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan has morphed into a global panic. China's past suggests why epidemics are such an emotional issue
A look at some of history and present day's famous rats - from Scarlett Johansson to polynational pirate Koxinga.
I was one of the long-term Beijingers asked about how they intend to spend this year's Chinese New Year and hopefully uncover some horror stories along the way.
Dumb Luck is a wickedly funny, almost Dickensian, romp that is still taught in Vietnamese schools today.
I join Jordan Schneider on an episode of his podcast ChinaEconTalk to discuss Beijing and tourism.
There is a real story to tell about how Chinese civilians and soldiers assisted US airmen after the Doolittle Raid - but "Midway" ain't it.
The Gingko Bilboa has been around for more than 240 million years old, and is sometimes described as a 'living fossil'
A quarter of a century ago today, Beijing witnessed a mass shooting incident from a rogue PLA soldier.
Few things recall the elegance of old Hong Kong like tea in the lobby of the Peninsula Hotel.