By the late nineteenth century, twenty-nine Chinese ports were open for foreign trade. Often run by foreign commissioners and no longer subject to the stringent local laws, these ports levied one of the smallest import taxes in the world, and Chinese commerce therefore exploded. Originally published in 1900, this account by William Barclay Parsons (1859 1932) investigates the ensuing surge of economic and industrial development in the eastern provinces. Including an introduction to China's history and the structure of its civil service, the book analyses the corrupt but ingenious world of customs officials, the importance of American cotton interests, and export statistics which reveal the multimillion-dollar smuggling operations that slipped around official embargoes. Set against a backdrop of electric lights and western labels in even the most closed of cities, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the early stages of today's global market.

Near-complete collection of great English composer's keyboard compositions, including the eight suites, the core of his keyboard works. Also included are many miscellaneous one-movement pieces: airs, trumpet tunes (for harpsichord solo), grounds, preludes, dances, etc. Edited with a preface by noted music scholar William Barclay Squire.

From the pen of one of the world's most beloved Christian writers, this book-by-book guide ably and engagingly introduces beginners to the essential purpose and message of each New Testament writing. From the Gospels through Revelation, William Barclay paints a vivid picture of the circumstances that gave rise to each book, offering numerous illuminating insights into the meanings of key words and enabling his readers to discern and follow the central concerns of each text.

Some of William Barclay's most beloved prayers and meditations, originally appearing in his "Prayers for the Christian Year" and "Epilogues and Prayers," have been brought together in this collection. While some of the prayers were written for private use, and others for use in public, so personal was the stamp that Barclay put on them that it is difficult to tell which are which. Written so many years ago but still as fresh and meaningful as ever, these prayers invite us to experience the wellspring of spirituality that nourished this timeless theologian's creativity. Arranged both topically and chronologically through the church year, "A Barclay Prayer Book" is perfect for personal devotional study and a useful resource for worship leaders.

William Barclay brings to these "best-known stories in the world" new force and significance for the modern reader. Each chapter analyzes an individual parable--identifies its theme, explains it in the light of the language and customs of the ancient world, and clearly interprets its meaning for us today.

The William Barclay Library is a collection of books addressing the great issues of the Christian faith. As one of the world's most widely read interpreters of the Bible and its meaning, William Barclay devoted his life to helping people become more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

"If there is one statement of the Christian Church, it is contained in the Apostles' Creed," writes William Barclay. Professor Barclay reminds us, however, that the Creed should be seen not so much as a test and yardstick of orthodoxy, but rather as a symbolic, pictorial and poetic representation of a truth--a truth that Christian should constantly rethink and restate for themselves.

Barclay's insights are particularly valuable at a time when many traditional beliefs are being questioned, both by theologians and lay people. He manages to bridge the gap between the academic and lay worlds while addressing the most profound issues of the Christian faith.

The William Barclay Library is a collection of books addressing the great issues of the Christian faith. As one of the world's most widely read interpreters of the Bible and its meaning, William Barclay devoted his life to helping people become more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.