Rarely does a work of non-fiction throw up such a vast and fascinating group of characters, but Paul French’s book Through the Looking Glass concerns no ordinary people. Focusing on the 130 years between the 1820s and the 1950s, French follows the “mavericks, individuals and compelling characters” of the China press corps, glorifying the times and the people, while acknowledging the bleak truth and devastating impact of that era on the journalistic and Chinese populace alike.

This work is a truly fascinating study of oddball characters. Personalities such as, Ernest Hemingway, Martha Gellhorn, Jack London, Edgar Snow, Pearl S. Buck, and Emily Hahn, to name but a few, had their romp with Chinese history. Indeed, some, such as Hahn, immersed themselves in the culture more than others; becoming a concubine, developing an opium addiction, and owning an uncontrollable gibbon called Mr Mills – all the while carrying herself as the most social of Shanghai socialites. The result of her crossing the line led to her acclaimed piece for the New Yorker dealing with addiction and cure: The Big Smoke, published in 1937.

Through the Looking Glass brings us closer to understanding the China press corps' contributions to world news, and how being based in the country affected their writing styles. Using the basic ammunition of wild characters, French weaves them beautifully using his uniquely rapid narrative style – rare for a work of non-fiction – that takes the reader on a rollercoaster journey through Chinese history, bringing to light the triumphs and struggles the protagonists faced. Divided into 11 chapters, each dedicated to roughly a decade, this study of characters is both eye opener to all would-be journalists, and homage to the talented men and women whose work and influence shaped the world’s perspectives on China. There is enough material to applaud as well as embarrass bygone heroes, making this a gossip like, voyeuristically insightful and thoroughly entertaining read, which remains academically enlightening.

Through the Looking Glass is published by Hong Kong University Press