Books that speak volumes

An exhibition at the National Library of China in Beijing illustrates how books published between the 15th and 19th centuries allowed China and the West to gain insights into one another

In most history books, the Manchu Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) Emperor Kangxi is depicted as nursing great ambitions to make his country strong and prosperous.

But under his reign (1662-1722) the empire is known for its exclusion, Sino-foreign trade and communications having been strictly curbed.