The Cambridge Illustrated History of China

Lively, up-to-date, and highly visual, this book is a must for anyone interested in the history of Chinese culture and society.

Patricia Buckley Ebrey (Author)

9781009151443, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 August 2022

400 pages
25.2 x 20.3 x 2.5 cm, 1.36 kg

'I have used the Cambridge Illustrated History of China in my survey course on Chinese history since the first edition, and by now have taught nearly 2,000 Penn students with it.  This latest edition is the best yet: not just updated but reconceptualized from start to finish, and with more visual sources than ever.  You simply cannot beat the combination that Patricia B. Ebrey offers: a clear and authoritative narrative, amply supported by quotations from primary sources, with maps and illustrations on virtually every page.  It is remarkable for a single author to be able to tell the story of China's history, from the Stone Age to Xi Jinping, in one earnest but readable volume.' Paul R. Goldin, University of Pennsylvania

The Cambridge Illustrated History of China is an illuminating account of the full sweep of Chinese civilisation – from prehistoric times to the intellectual ferment of the Warring States Period, through the rise and fall of the imperial dynasties, to the modern communist state. Written by a leading scholar and lavishly illustrated, its narrative draws together everything from the influence of key intellectual figures, to political innovations, art and material culture, family and religious life, not to mention wars and modern conflicts. This third revised edition includes new archaeological discoveries and gives fuller treatment of environmental history and Chinese interaction with the wider world, placing China in global context. The Qing dynasty is now covered in two chapters, while the final chapter brings the story into the twenty-first century, covering the transformation of China into one of the world's leading economies and the challenges it faces. Lively and highly visual, this book will be appreciated by anyone interested in Chinese history.

1. The Origins of Chinese Civilization: Neolithic Period to the Western Zhou Dynasty
2. Philosophical Foundations: The Eastern Zhou Period
3. The Creation of the Bureaucratic Empire: The Qin and Han Dynasties
4. Regional Regimes: Buddhism, Aristocracy, and Northern Rulers
5. A Cosmopolitan Empire: The Tang Dynasty
6. Shifting South: The Five Dynasties and Song
7. Inner Asian Rule: The Liao, Xi Xia, Jin, and Yuan Dynasties
8. The Limits of Autocracy: The Ming Dynasty
9. Manchus and Imperial Expansion: The Early Qing Dynasty
10. Decline Sets In: The Late Qing Dynasty
11. Taking Action: The Early Twentieth Century
12. China Under Mao: The People's Republic
13. Engaging the World: China Since 1976.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF], General & world history [HBG], Oriental art [ACBP]