² Preface, viii.

³ All but the last three chapters of the manuscript for this new book were read and approved by MacNair before his death. Positively determined upon since 1934, when he entered into a contract with Van Nostrand, preparation of the book lagged after 1938 because of his interest in other activities and his declining health. By 1943, however, he had reached an agreement with Donald F. Lach whereby the latter was to prepare the portions of the book dealing with events after about 1931. In the final prepublication form the first ten chapters of the book (with the exception of portions of chapter 1) had been prepared by MacNair and the remaining ten by Lach.

⁴ Of his father, Dougald Evander MacNair, the writer has had the opportunity to learn little.

⁵ The incomparable lady, 16.

⁶ China's new nationalism, 36, 39.

⁷ The incomparable lady, 6.

⁸ The incomparable lady, 17.

⁹ The wu-t'ung is the only tree, according to Chinese mythology, on which the bird of happiness rests.

¹⁰ The quotation is from Li Ch'ing-chao at the end of MacNair's letter-memoir in The incomparable lady, 45.

¹¹ Because it is so characteristic, this should be quoted from his Preface: “It would be an exaggeration to say that the volume of correspondence which lies back of this book equals in value the book itself, but it may be divulged that it all but equals it in interest. In bound form, these letters will be one of the most treasured items in the Editor's library, and, although seen by few, will constitute a valuable commentary on human nature, historiography, and bookmaking.” It should be noted that more chapters relating to the social sciences and the contemporary scene were originally planned, but war conditions prevented several authors from preparing the desired chapters. These chapters, however, would not have offset the preponderant emphasis of the volume.

¹² These forums are “The University of Chicago round table” unless indicated as NWURS, meaning “Northwestern University on the air – the reviewing stand.”