For her unwavering guidance and encouragement through all stages of this project, my first debt of gratitude goes to Paola Iovene. She saw its value when I had doubts. It is thanks to the countless hours she shared with me discussing the nature and direction of my study that this book has come together at all. Prasenjit Duara provided me with thoughtful input throughout the research and writing process, persistently reminding me to keep an eye on the broad sociohistorical condition of the “crowding mo- ment” in modern China.