Fritz Secker's Schen: Studien aus einer chinesischen Weltstadt isn't a novel with a plot in the traditional sense. Think of it as a series of observational essays or sketches. Published in 1889, the book is Secker's attempt to document and explain the city of Shanghai to a German-speaking audience back home. He was writing at a pivotal moment, when the city was a major treaty port, a buzzing mix of Chinese life and growing Western influence.

The Story

There's no fictional narrative here. Instead, Secker acts as our guide. He walks us through the different districts—the bustling Chinese city with its narrow lanes and canals, the orderly International Settlement, and the French Concession. He describes the sights, sounds, and smells: the crowded markets, the river traffic on the Huangpu, the architecture, and the daily lives of the people he encounters. He comments on commerce, social customs, and the palpable tension and cooperation between the Chinese residents and the foreign community. The 'story' is the city itself, unfolding through his curious and sometimes bewildered eyes.

Why You Should Read It

This book's power is in its raw, immediate perspective. Secker isn't a historian looking back; he's a man trying to understand what's in front of him right now. That means his observations come with the assumptions and biases of his time, which is actually what makes it so valuable. You're not getting a cleaned-up, politically correct version of history. You're getting one person's honest reaction. Reading it, you feel like you're peering over his shoulder. You sense his fascination, his occasional confusion, and his effort to categorize the unfamiliar. It makes the past feel less like dates in a textbook and more like a lived experience.

Final Verdict

This is a niche but rewarding read. It's perfect for history buffs, Sinophiles, or anyone who loves primary source material. If you enjoy travel writing from a bygone era and can appreciate a document as a product of its time—complete with outdated viewpoints—you'll find it captivating. It's not a light beach read, but for the right reader, it's a direct portal to the noisy, vibrant, and complex world of 1880s Shanghai. Just be ready to read it as a conversation with the past, not a modern analysis.