Understanding China: A Guide to China's Economy, History, and Political Structure

Starr, John Bryan

ISBN 10: 0809094886 / ISBN 13: 9780809094882

Published by Hill and Wang, New York, 1997

About this Item

Text is clean and tight. Jacket has a small tear at the front lower right corner and a minor crease at the top of the spine panel.

Seller Inventory # 000802

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Understanding China: A Guide to China's Economy, History, and Political Structure
• Publisher: Hill and Wang, New York
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0809094886
• ISBN 13: 9780809094882
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • History

About this title

Synopsis

In this succinct, modest, and refreshingly clearheaded book, John Bryan Starr introduces to the uninitiated reader the background, the basic data, and the issues at stake in China's present, crisis-ridden present situation.

Reviews

YA?A marvelous resource for learning about China. Originally a series of lectures, the book covers the entire spectrum of that vast and sometimes enigmatic land. Starr writes, for instance, about how the Communist party and the armed forces actually work in relation to the government and vice versa, rural and urban social ills, population control, unemployment, corruption, inflation, intellectual freedom, foreign relations, pollution, and more. The culture is examined from the Chinese point of view, and is often contrasted with American culture, all done in an evenhanded way. Additionally, the statistics cited are compared with data from the U.S. in order to give a point of reference. Chinese history, as it affects current outlooks and practices, is interspersed throughout. Each logically organized chapter treats a separate topic. Although there is some repetition of concepts and data, the book will still be useful for research. This succinct and easy-to-read title removes much of the puzzlement with which many Americans regard China and the Chinese. The chapter on human-rights practices alone is sure to spark lively discussion in history, government, and American culture classes. A lucid examination of Chinese character, practices, and problems.?Judy McAloon, Potomac Library, Prince William County, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.