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A History of China 1st Edition
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Capturing China’s past in all its complexity, this multi-faceted history portrays China in the context of a larger global world, while incorporating the narratives of Chinese as well as non-Chinese ethnic groups and discussing people traditionally left out of the story―peasants, women, merchants, and artisans.
- Offers a complete political, economic, social, and cultural history of China, covering the major events and trends
- Written in a clear and uncomplicated style by a distinguished historian with over four decades of experience teaching undergraduates
- Examines Chinese history through the lens of global history to better understand how foreign influences affected domestic policies and practices
- Depicts the role of non-Chinese ethnic groups in China, such as Tibetans and Uyghurs, and analyzes the Mongol and Manchu rulers and their impact on Chinese society
- Incorporates the narratives of people traditionally left out of Chinese history, including women, peasants, merchants, and artisans
- ISBN-101577181131
- ISBN-13978-1577181132
- Edition1st
- PublisherWiley-Blackwell
- Publication dateSeptember 23, 2013
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions6.6 x 0.9 x 9.5 inches
- Print length452 pages
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Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
Capturing China’s past in all its complexity, this multi-faceted history portrays China in the context of a larger global world and incorporates the narratives of Chinese as well as non-Chinese ethnic groups.
The book offers a complete political, economic, social, and cultural history of China, covering the major events and trends. It differs from other histories of the country in presenting China as part of a larger world. Although it emphasizes events within China, it also portrays China in the context of global developments, from its earliest interactions with local neighbors to later relationships with countries across Asia and around the world. At the same time, the book depicts the role of non-Chinese ethnic groups in China, including Tibetans and Uyghurs, and analyzes the role of Mongol and Manchu rulers and their impact on Chinese society. Drawing on the latest scholarship, the author goes beyond traditional accounts of Imperial families and officials to discuss groups such as peasants, women, merchants, and artisans, who have traditionally been left out of the narrative. In doing so, he provides a rich and nuanced history of one of the contemporary world’s most dynamic societies.
From the Back Cover
Capturing China’s past in all its complexity, this multi-faceted history portrays China in the context of a larger global world and incorporates the narratives of Chinese as well as non-Chinese ethnic groups.
The book offers a complete political, economic, social, and cultural history of China, covering the major events and trends. It differs from other histories of the country in presenting China as part of a larger world. Although it emphasizes events within China, it also portrays China in the context of global developments, from its earliest interactions with local neighbors to later relationships with countries across Asia and around the world. At the same time, the book depicts the role of non-Chinese ethnic groups in China, including Tibetans and Uyghurs, and analyzes the role of Mongol and Manchu rulers and their impact on Chinese society. Drawing on the latest scholarship, the author goes beyond traditional accounts of Imperial families and officials to discuss groups such as peasants, women, merchants, and artisans, who have traditionally been left out of the narrative. In doing so, he provides a rich and nuanced history of one of the contemporary world’s most dynamic societies.
About the Author
Morris Rossabi is Distinguished Professor of History at City University of New York and Adjunct Professor at Columbia University. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he received a Ph.D. in Chinese and Central Asian History at Columbia University. He is the author of many books on Asian history, including Modern Mongolia: From Khans to Commissars to Capitalists (2005), Khubilai Khan: His Life and Times (1988 and 2009), and Voyager from Xanadu: Rabban Sauma and the First Journey from China to the West (1992). Formerly Chair of the Arts and Cultures Board of the Open Society Institute, he has collaborated on exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Product details
- Publisher : Wiley-Blackwell; 1st edition (September 23, 2013)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 452 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1577181131
- ISBN-13 : 978-1577181132
- Item Weight : 1.5 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.6 x 0.9 x 9.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,707,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,003 in Australia & New Zealand History
- #4,946 in Chinese History (Books)
- #122,000 in Unknown
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Even though this book is overall good and unique, the book has a few flaws. Given who the author is and the inclusion of more obscure non-Chinese states and dynasties, I was underwhelmed that the book doesn't cover Central Asia as much as it should of. Probably the biggest flaw is that at times the book feels long and drawn out. Some parts are bland and monotonous recitation of facts and dates. The writing at times feels uninspired ,dull, and not easy to follow. This is odd considering the past works by the author which were better written. Another criticism is the author's apologism towards Western imperialism and Christian missionaries. The infighting in the Qing court played a big role in imperial China's decline but the West taking advantage wasn't helping but the author seems to put full blame on the Qing and the Chinese. The author's excuses towards Christianity and Western imperialism is odd. The Christian Taiping movement brought about destruction and chaos but the author takes pains to say these rebels weren't actual real Christians. It's odd because the author has no problem saying Buddhist or Daoist rebels were motivated by their religion.
Despite it's few flaws, this book is different from the many books out there about Chinese history. I recommend this book to students and scholars of Chinese history or those who simply want some historical knowledge of China. Readers will also benefit from this book because of it's unique perspectives and coverage of Asian history.
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