The Great Chinese Revolution: 1800-1985 - Hardcover

Fairbank, John King

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060390573 ISBN 13: 9780060390570

Publisher: Harper & Row, 1986

Synopsis

Examines the transformation of Imperial China to Communist China, discusses the social and cultural changes that have occurred, and looks at modern economic development in China

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

In a highly readable work of sound scholarship, Fairbank (a general editor of The Cambridge History of China and author of more than 20 books on China) undertakes the daunting task of integrating pre- and postrevolutionary China in a historical overview. Tracing the origins of the Communist revolution of 1949 back to the late imperial era, he claims that the roots of this triumph of Marxist ideology go deep into Chinese tradition and convincingly relegates Western influence to the periphery. He proceeds to an expert analysis of the Manchu dynasty, the warlords (who found both their ultimate expression and death knell in Chiang Kai-shek), Mao's creation of a new state and China under Deng Xiaoping. Insightful and informative, this excellent synthesis of the forces that shaped contemporary China should be basic reading for anyone interested in understanding what the author calls "a largely unknown country seen from a great distance."
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Fairbank's latest book is a fresh and spritely general survey of Chinese history from 1800. As an architect, editor, and contributor to the Cambridge History of China , Fairbank has maintained a marvelous command over the most recent scholarship. His knowledge, easy style, and own special acerbic commentaries combine to make this book a delight. Fairbank divides his account into four sections: growth and change during the 19th century; the crisis of the old order from 1895 to 1911; and China's two attempts to create a modern nation, the Chinese Republic (1912-49) and the Chinese People's Republic (post-1949). The book is never pedantic, but gathers together a lifetime of scholarship plus a true gift for presentation of complex issues and a fine eye for telling illustration. This will be widely read for decades; highly recommended for most school and public libraries. David D. Buck, History Dept., Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper & Row
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0060390573
• ISBN 13: 9780060390570
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 414