The Oxford Illustrated History of Modern China

The Oxford Illustrated History of Modern China presents a comprehensive examination of China's transformation from the Ming Dynasty through the present day. This collection, edited by historian Jeffrey Wasserstrom, features contributions from leading scholars in the field. The narrative covers key historical events and periods including the decline of imperial rule, the impact of Western colonialism, and the rise of nationalism in China. The text explores revolutionary movements, political reforms, and social changes that shaped the nation's trajectory. The book documents China's economic development, from traditional agricultural society through industrialization and into its current position as a global power. Each chapter incorporates illustrations, photographs, and maps that complement the written analysis. The work illustrates recurring patterns in Chinese history - tensions between tradition and modernization, the influence of foreign powers, and the complex relationship between state authority and social change. These themes remain relevant to understanding China's role in contemporary global affairs.

Readers describe this as a solid academic overview of modern Chinese history, best suited for those with some prior knowledge of the subject. Multiple reviews note its effectiveness as a reference text or companion to other China history books. Liked: - High quality photographs and illustrations - Balanced coverage of political, economic and cultural developments - Clear writing style accessible to non-specialists - Strong chapters on the Republican era and WWII period Disliked: - Significant events covered too briefly - Limited coverage of pre-1800 historical context - Some readers found the thematic organization confusing - Academic tone can be dry Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (52 ratings) Notable reader comment: "Good introduction but requires supplementary reading for deeper understanding. The visual elements add significant value but the text sometimes sacrifices depth for breadth." - Goodreads reviewer

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🔖 The word "Middle Kingdom" (中国/Zhōngguó), China's name for itself, literally means "central country" and reflects its historical self-perception as the center of civilization. 🔖 Author Rana Mitter is a professor at Oxford University and won the 2014 Duke of Westminster Medal for his writing on Chinese military history during World War II. 🔖 The Opium Wars (1839-1842 and 1856-1860) resulted in China being forced to open five "treaty ports" to British trade, including Shanghai, which would become one of Asia's most important commercial centers. 🔖 During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), which the book examines in detail, nearly all schools in China were closed for at least two years, creating a "lost generation" of students whose education was disrupted. 🔖 China's economic reforms under Deng Xiaoping led to the fastest sustained expansion in history, with average GDP growth of 10% annually for over three decades (1978-2010).