More populous than any other country on earth, China also occupies a unique place in our modern world for the continuity of its history and culture. In this sumptuously illustrated single-volume history, now in its second edition, noted historian Patricia Buckley Ebrey traces the origins of Chinese culture from prehistoric times to the present. She follows its development from the rise of Confucianism, Buddhism, and the great imperial dynasties to the Mongol, Manchu, and Western intrusions and the modern communist state. Her scope is phenomenal - embracing Chinese arts, culture, economics, society and its treatment of women, foreign policy, emigration, and politics, including the key uprisings of 1919 and 1989 in Tiananmen Square. Both a comprehensive introduction to an extraordinary civilization and an expert exploration of the continuities and disjunctures of Chinese history, Professor Ebrey's book has become an indispensable guide to China past and present. This second edition includes a new chapter on China's recent opening to the world and a fully revised guide to further reading.
By:
Patricia Buckley Ebrey (University of Washington)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 2nd edition
Dimensions:
Height: 254mm,
Width: 204mm,
Spine: 26mm
Weight: 930g
ISBN: 9780521124331
ISBN 10: 0521124336
Series: Cambridge Illustrated Histories
Pages: 384
Publication Date: 06 April 2010
Audience:
College/higher education
,
General/trade
,
Primary
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgments; 1. The origins of Chinese civilization: Neolithic period to the Western Zhou dynasty (animal and human imagery in bronze vessels); 2. Philosophical foundations: the Eastern Zhou period; 3. The creation of the bureaucratic empire: the Qin and Han dynasties; 4. Buddhism, aristocracy, and alien rulers: the age of division (early Buddhist art); 5. A cosmopolitan empire: the Tang dynasty; 6. Shifting south: the Song dynasty (landscape painting); 7. Alien rule: the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties (drama and the performing arts); 8. The limits of autocracy: the Ming dynasty (the kilns at Jingdezhen); 9. Manchus and imperialism: the Qing dynasty (working for a living); 10. Taking action: the early twentieth century (modern Chinese painting); 11. Radical reunification: the People's Republic (the cult of Mao); 12. Opening to the world: China since 1976 (Tibet); Epilogue; Chronology.
Patricia Buckley Ebrey is Professor of History at the University of Washington and the author of multiple books and articles.
