ABSTRACT
A little while ago I wrote by way of an acknowledgment in my Women, Sport and Society in Modern China: ‘Professor J.A. Mangan has proved to be a most exceptional supervisor. His intelligence, his attention to detail, his sympathy for my subject, his long hours of patient assistance, have ensured the completion of this thesis. When I chose to study at his international research centre, without fully appreciating the fact, I made the wisest of decisions. His sound advice, his careful thoroughness and his constant support too can never be forgotten.’ I remain deeply grateful for his unstinting support and again say simply ‘thank you’.
