Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
A History of China 1st Edition
There is a newer edition of this item:
$49.84
(2)
Only 4 left in stock (more on the way).
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
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
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: #3,198,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,061 in Asian History (Books)
- #1,320 in Australia & New Zealand History
- #5,691 in Chinese History (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonTop reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2015Anything that Professor Rossabi writes is both well researched and fascinating. My only regret is that I never had the opportunity to meet him while I was in New York. I had just started my own self study program of Mongolia and China when I had to Leave NYC. I now have four of his books and all offer wonderful sources of information.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2019Very well written and easy to understand.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2018This book on Chinese history is different from the countless similar books meant either for a academic or casual readership. Other than giving a comprehensive yet somewhat brief history of China from prehistory to the present day, the book also covers the non-Chinsese dynasties and neighbors that have played a major part in Chinese history. This is impressive given how little attention these other states or dynasties get from other books and scholars. This is in part because the author, Morris Rossabi, is a scholar that specializes in Chinese, Central Asian, and Mongolian history. Every chapter devotes itself to a major period in Chinese history. It includes the political, cultural, military, and artistic history and aspects of each covered dynasty. There is a helpful further reading section at the end of each chapter. Because of these features, it is best for students, scholars, or serious general readers who can use this as a handbook and resource guide along as a comprehensive outline of general Chinese history.
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.
Top reviews from other countries
- S.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Great