China Past-China Future (International Affairs)

Carter, Alden R.

ISBN 10: 053111161X ISBN 13: 9780531111611

Publisher: Franklin Watts

Synopsis

A history of China with an overview of life today and a look at its possible future, considering an increasingly young population which is dissatisfied with communism.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9-The history of China, from earliest times to the present, is detailed, with greater emphasis on the 20th century. Some parallel developments in the West are included for frame of reference. Careful analysis of recent events is stimulating. Carter has an obvious love for the country, but maintains admirable impartiality in clear and interesting prose. Accurate information is judiciously chosen to make this the most cogent introduction to China to date for this age group. Standard pinyin transcription is used throughout, with the exception of a few widely established names, e.g., Chiang Kai-shek, etc. Two 16-page inserts include reproductions of paintings, lithographs, and photos. They lose some appeal by being uniformly black and white, but gain points for their variety and scope. That more than the usual amount of thought was put into the choice of illustrations is demonstrated by the inclusion of one of the extremely rare photos of Guangxu, the second-to-last emperor.
John Philbrook, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 9-12. This smoothly written, well-organized, brief history of China contains just enough information to arouse the interest of those attempting to understand how China got to where it is today. Carter does a nice job of interweaving motivations and cultural imperatives with historical data so that the inevitability of China's tumultuous history becomes apparent. His presentation of more recent events, such as the reign of Chiang Kai-shek and the impact of Mao Zedong, is evenhanded, discussing both Soviet and American influences in an informative but nonjudgmental manner. The two inserts of black-and-white photos are helpful as is the map at the front, although more maps scattered throughout would have eliminated continuous flipping back and forth. Also missing is the dynastic time line that has become a fixture in books on the subject. The suggested reading list includes some relevant fiction and movies as well as nonfiction sources. This will be a good basic reference for both school and public libraries and may appeal to adults as well as young adults. Jeanne Triner

About this edition

• Publisher: Franklin Watts
• ISBN 10: 053111161X
• ISBN 13: 9780531111611
• Binding: Library Binding