Russell Freedman : (3)

" I didn’t learn Chinese to write ‘Confucius.’ That would’ve been a monumental task. I have three friends who can translate Chinese text for me; all three helped me with my research on Confucius. They are acknowledged in my acknowledgements in the book. " - Russell Freedman

" There is credible evidence that a Chinese fleet went as far as the coast of Africa, in present-day Kenya. It was the largest maritime fleet in the world, under the command of Zheng He, a favorite of the emperor. " - Russell Freedman

" I’ve been interested in China ever since I was a kid. When I was a kid, I grew up in San Francisco about a mile from China Beach. " - Russell Freedman