Scholar and diplomat Brian L. Evans gives us the first English-language biography of Chester A. Ronning (1894-1984): diplomat, politician, educator, and one of Canada's major public figures. This fascinating story depicts Ronning, the man who received many honours, and deepens readers' knowledge of Canada's post-World War II diplomacy and Canada-China relations. Ronning was an extraordinary Canadian who combined Chinese sensibility with Norwegian calm practicality and American drive. His life journey was entwined with the history of China over many decades. Based on written materials, historical documents, and many hours of interviews with Ronning, his friends, and fellow politicians, The Remarkable Chester Ronning offers both a thorough and entertaining biography and a lens through which to view international politics. Chester Ronning's life story offers a candid view of Canada's post-WWII diplomacy and China relations. Scholar and diplomat Brian L. Evans gives us the first English-language biography of Chester A. Ronning (1894-1984): diplomat, politician, educator, and one of Canada's major public figures. This fascinating story depicts Ronning, the man who received many honours, and deepens readers' knowledge of Canada's post-World War II diplomacy and Canada-China relations. Ronning was an extraordinary Canadian who combined Chinese sensibility with Norwegian calm practicality and American drive. His life journey was entwined with the history of China over many decades. Based on written materials, historical documents, and many hours of interviews with Ronning, his friends, and fellow politicians, The Remarkable Chester Ronning offers both a thorough and entertaining biography and a lens through which to view international politics. Brian L. Evans, CM, studied Chinese and Chinese history at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies and later served with the Canadian Embassy in Beijing. He was Professor of Chinese History at the University of Alberta (1961-1996). He lives in Edmonton. The Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life was established in 2006 at the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta, commemorating Chester Ronning's concerns that shaped his career-religion, education, and fostering mutual understanding among the diverse peoples of the world. 50 B&W photographs, 2 maps, preface, notes, bibliography, index "...U of A historian Brian Evans has written a biography of this exceptional Canadian, published by the U of A Press-The Remarkable Chester Ronning: Proud Son of China. Some 30 years in the making, the book is based largely on interviews with Ronning in 1980." Geoff McMaster, University of Alberta, January 3, 2014 [Full article plus video at http://bit.ly/19R8FaM] "Ronning was indeed a man far ahead of many in his time. Against the common wisdom of Canadian and American foreign policy during the fifties and sixties, Ronning was a strong advocate for the recognition of Red China as it was known in those days. He was recognized for his diplomatic skills with several foreign postings, and was heavily involved in attempts to get America and Vietnam to the peace table-well before Nixon had similar inclinations leading to the end of that difficult war and his visit to China in the early 1970's. Ronning was well-loved and respected in China.." Wayne A. Holst, Anglican Church of Canada Continuing Education Plan, January 7, 2014 [Full article at http://cep.anglican.ca/the-remarkable-chester-ronning/] "...an intriguing glimpse of China in turmoil and one Canadian's attempt to make sense of it all.... The Remarkable Chester Ronning is a deft and skillful biography..." Holly Doan, Blacklocks Reporter, February 1, 2014 [Full article athttp://www.blacklocks.ca/review-the-east-is-definitely-red/] "Chester Ronning (1894-1984) was indeed an extraordinary Canadian, an all-round public man.... Brian L. Evans, a professor of Chinese history and a former member of the Cana
