The Cambridge Illustrated History of China

When offering criticism one can (a) show off one's own knowledge by accusing an author of failing to cover some aspect, that a closer reading shows they never set out to cover; (b) be spiky and aggressive under the illusion this is being polemical; and (c) try to be objective, which is less entertaining but more generally useful. I shall try to do (c). With some experience in academic reading and none in Chinese history I wanted an up to date introductory overview by an authority on the subject so I could quickly get to grips with the basics. I don't expect an introductory overview to deal in depth with all areas, or follow anything but a general path, trying to precis current knowledge. This book did the job for me and my knowledge and enthusiasm about Chinese history has grown. It was concise and articulated central ideas comfortably and memorably. The unexpected jewel for this novice however is the guide to further reading. It is not a dry list of authors and titles, but a whole after-chapter. It sets out the best available reading in English on the subject and breaks it down into historical periods and general sub-categories within each period eg: politics, social history, intellectual history, cultural history etc. It shows a teacher's instinct to conserve your vital interest by allowing you to keep on the path you are genuinely interested in. I suspect it amounts to a whole first degree reading list. The price to pay is that to get this useful reading guide into the space available the author has had to settle for rather small print for this section of the book. It is a price well worth paying. My only criticism is the book is cumbersome to hold for long periods, and the sooner it is available on Kindle the better.

The author has a certain take on history that annoys me ... very sanitized ... but certainly it is good to see and read different perspectives. There were many good insights and amazingly when I read about ancient Chinese thought and how it differed from other traditions, it seem relevant today to understanding Xi Xinjing. Also, given what is now known, I thought she should have come down harder on Mao Tse-Tung. Overall, well worth the read.

This book was required for a course i took. It was easy to read. One thing that might have bothered me a little bit, was the fact that it was long enough! I wished they went into details about some events, but they just breifly go over it. Besides that, its a good read.

This is a truly helpful and stimulating introduction to Chinese History, an ideal companion volume to more structured, non-illustrated histories: clear, highly explanatory maps; excellent choice of images and visual documents that bring to life China's bygone ages. Although the book focusses on broad historical trends across China's pre-dynastic and imperial ages up to modern times, it also offers boxes that deal with iconic figures of their times and with cultural issues that defined each historic period. I use this book as one of my sources to teach a Chinese Cultural History course and it has never let me down. Its only weakness lies in the dearth of parallel text translations: unfortunately a very common feature of books dealing with Chinese culture, history, literature etc. written in the English language. Offering access to the original in Chinese can be a bonus, as some of the poems or documents quoted in English are not always to be found easily in Chinese over the net or elsewhere.Still, a wonderful Chinese History book, highly recommended.

A well written book documenting thousands of years of Chinese history. I read it while I stayed in China. Great illustrations and easy to read. Gives the reader a clear understanding of how China became what it is today. Highly recommended

No single book can adequately cover the greater than 5000 year history of China, but this survey comes close. It is mainly a social, cultural and political history, concentrating on the social, cultural, and political causes and effects on the civilization of China. It is an excellent introductory course, especially when teamed with Harold M. Tanner's two volume "China, a History."

Beautifully written and presented. The book offers an energetic look at China from its ancient (mythological) times through the celebrated Han, Tang and later dynasties, right up to modern China's approach to liberal economic policies. To cover so much in a relatively small book is majestic.

Buy this one and Li Feng's "Early China" before any others. It is comprehensive and directed at those in-the-know, and at the same time completely accessible and engrossing for novice learners of the period. Her works are highly recommended.