Description
David Atwill (Asian history, Pennsylvania State U.) and Yurong Atwill (Asian Studies librarian, Pennsylvania State U.) have written a wide-ranging and interesting sourcebook on the history of China from the late Imperial period to the present. The resource contains translated source documents and commentary and insights from the authors. The book examines numerous periods and eras in Chinese history, including the Qing Dynasty conquest and consolidation, the Opium War, mid-19th century rebellions, the imperialism crisis (1856-1890), the Boxer rebellion, warlord eras, China in the 1920s, and the origins of the CCP. It also details political, social, and cultural trends and other aspects of life in China. The book would be very useful to students of modern Chinese history and general readers who simply have an interest in the complex country and its journey from past to present. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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Glance at any recent newspaper, magazine or mainstream website and one will encounter some mention of China. The number of Americans and Europeans studying the Chinese language has soared in recent years. Foreign investment in China and Chinese exports to the world are increasing at a record pace. Western political leaders ponder how to join or combat the country's expanding influence. Yet, this emerging discovery of China should more correctly be described as a re-discovery. European and American churches have sent missionaries to China for more than five centuries. Western traders and businesses have sought Chinese products, and pursued new markets for their own goods, for a commensurate period. Still, this newfound interest in China suggests there is a need for a sourcebook that goes beyond the narrow boundaries of political and intellectual thought; a sourcebook that explores the broad cultural, social and ethnic trends that are the foundation of a 21st century China. A variety of perspectives introduce readers to the issues, trends and challenges of each particular period. This text goes beyond boundaries of political and intellectual thought; a sourcebook that explores the broad cultural, social and ethnic trends that are the foundation of a 21st century China. The different viewpoints presented will lead students to rethink the way in which historical events are commonly understood.
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