Welcome to Conversations, the series of interviews with scholars and experts of Chinese studies from all fields to talk about their intellectual journey. Through memories of the good old days, predictions of what lies ahead, and assessments of the present hour, we bring to you the voices of those who have dedicated their lives to exploring the world of Cathay. This project took shape during the COVID-19 pandemic. If anything, the confinement to online activities has forced on many the comfort of digital tools. While screens do not replace chats over a double malt or a good espresso, they do bring together intellectuals from all over the world in the comfort of one’s home. We invite anyone willing to participate to reach out to us! All interviews will be available periodically here; the calendar below will be updated regularly. 

Conversations is now also on Twitter

 Interviews

Michael Loewe and Edward Shaughnessy, 2014
Michael Loewe, 2019
Sarah Allan, interviewed by Kevin Huang – written interview, 2017
Lothar von Falkenhausen and Haun Saussy, 2020 interview found here and here
Michael Nylan, interviewed by Shao-yun Yang, April 19th, 2021
John S. Major, interviewed by Maddalena Poli, April 26th, 2021
Peter Bol, interviewed by Hilde de Weerdt, May 19th, 2021
Stephen Owen, interviewed by Robert Ashmore, August 31st, 2021
Lothar von Falkenhausen, interviewed by Rowan Flad, November 19th, 2021
Sarah Allan, interviewed by Wang Tao, Sept 2022
Pauline Yu, interviewed by Wendy Swartz, forthcoming
Edward L. Shaughenessy, forthcoming

This project would not have happened without the incredible support of many people, in particular Sarah Allan, Constance Cook, Vincent S. Leung, Edward Shaughnessy, and Roel Sterckx. 

Maddalena Poli 

The Editor and the Editorial Board of the Society for the Study of Early China assume no responsibility for the views and statements expressed in the following conversations. They are the personal opinions of the speakers.