Bits and Pieces: Patriots, Traitors and New Plum Rain Press Books – S6-E23
Key Takeaways
- Eryk reads victory poetry written by the Kangxi Emperor following the 1683 Battle of Penghu, sparking a lighthearted debate with John.
- The hosts explore shifting concepts of patriotism and discuss modern Han Chinese nationalist objections to a film celebrating Shi Lang's conquest of Taiwan.
- Chiang Kai-shek's political identity is re-examined through the lens of Chinese nationalism, contrasting his approach with the Chinese Communist Party's historical ties to Stalin and the Soviet Union.
- John discusses his appearance on the Books on Asia podcast, where he and Eryk talked about Yang Shuang-zi's novel Taiwan Travelogue.
- John highlights a new ten-part series on the Bookish Asia podcast dedicated to Dr. Chen Yao-chang's historical novel A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa.
The 1683 Battle of Penghu is over, but there’s plenty more to say after our last episode. Eryk reads some victory poetry by the Kangxi Emperor. John is not a fan. We then turn to changing ideas of patriotism. Why have some Han Chinese nationalists objected to a new film celebrating Shi Lang’s conquest of Taiwan? And does Chiang Kai-shek look rather different if we view him principally as a Chinese nationalist – especially when compared with the Chinese Communist Party’s relationship with Stalin and the Soviet Union?
But all that is a modest preamble to two big announcements. First, there are some non-Formosa Files podcasts you should know about, including Eryk and John discussing Yang Shuang-zi’s Taiwan Travelogue on the Books on Asia podcast. John also chatted on that podcast with Tyrel Eskelson about his Taiwan 22: Travels in Paradox.
And John has another similarly named podcast, Bookish Asia with Plum Rain Press. He tells us about a new ten-part Bookish Asia series devoted to Dr. Chen Yao-chang’s historical novel A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa.
Do us a favor and rate/review the show! It really helps. Do it on Apple Podcasts or here on our website.
Write us with questions or ideas at formosafiles@gmail.com
AND THE BIGGEST REQUEST: tell others about this free, not-for-profit resource about Taiwan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What victory poetry is discussed in this episode?
Eryk reads poetry written by the Kangxi Emperor following the decisive 1683 Battle of Penghu.
Why have some Han Chinese nationalists objected to a recent film?
Some nationalists have taken issue with a new film celebrating Shi Lang's conquest of Taiwan, reflecting changing and complex ideas surrounding patriotism.
What is the Bookish Asia podcast series about?
John announces a new ten-part series on Bookish Asia focusing on Dr. Chen Yao-chang's historical novel A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa.
