Putting nations in perspective

John Keay says when he was asked to write a major history of China he thought the idea was absurd and told his publisher this. "I said I didn't speak a word of Chinese and Chinese history is impenetrable to Western audiences. I can't think of anything more ridiculous."

Certainly, if you think China histories should be meticulously researched within the shadows of the Forbidden City, Keay might be regarded as an odd choice of writer.