The Witing on the Wall

Toronto, On, Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1974. Book. Very Good. Soft cover. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. The book is in very good condition, some shelf rubbing. Text inside appears clean and clear throughout. 'With tales of a gruesome murder, a typhoid epidemic, corrupt politicians, and a Japanese invasion, The Writing on the Wall, was intended to shock its readers when it was published in 1921. Thinly disguised as a novel, it is a propaganda tract exhorting white British Columbians to greater vigilance to prevent greedy politicians from selling out to the Chinese and Japanese. It was also designed to convinces eastern Canada of British Colombia's need for strict immigration regulations sas protection against an onslaught of the 'yellow peril'. This novel is not exceptional in its extreme racism; it reiterates almost every anti-oriental cliche circulating in British Columbia at the time of its publication. For example, the Chinese were repulsive individuals who lived in filth and indulged in illegal and immoral habits; the opium traffic threatened to undermine white society; the control of the vegetable market by the Chinese endangered the health of the white population. The Japanese were perceived as an even greater menace systematically buying land to further Japan's imperialistic ambitions. While modern readers will find the story horrifying and unbelievable it is in fact based on real incidents familiar to the original audience. In Canada the Oriental problem was unique to British Columbia but many of the views expressed on the west coast about Orientals were only exaggerated versions of ideas held elsewhere in the country about non-Anglo-Saxon immigrants. This novel is a vivid illustration of the fear and prejudice with which immigrants were regarded in the early twentieth century.' xxxi+149 pages. 5.4 x 8.5 inches. This listing was made by a small independent book shop. We carefully inspect every single book we list and give accurate descriptions. If you require we will promptly send pictures of listed books upon request. .