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.
- Written by a leading specialist, this comprehensive overview skilfully blends an engaging narrative with explanations of key events to guide readers through the full sweep of Chinese history
- A highly flexible text that has been used by hundreds of instructors in a wide range of courses relating to all periods of Chinese history, culture, art, literature, and philosophy
- A rich programme of illustrations aid student understanding, with more than 240 images and over 30 maps
- This third revised edition incorporates new archaeological discoveries, and gives fuller treatment of environmental history and China in the broader context of world history, with two new chapters bringing readers up to date with twenty-first century developments
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Reviews & endorsements
'After a quarter century as the most popular textbook of Chinese history, Ebrey's third edition returns with updated coverage of China's past and evolving place in the world. The stunning visuals will bring to vivid life the long sweep of Chinese history from the Neolithic to Xi Jinping for another generation of students and readers.' Charles Hartman, University at Albany, SUNY
'For its scholarly excellence and wonderful illustrations, Ebrey's work has long stood out as the best concise account of the long history of Chinese culture. The new edition is even better, reflecting new perspectives on interactions among diverse populations inside and outside the shifting borders of Chinese polities as well as highlighting environmental change and its causes. It offers a very engaging introduction to Chinese history.' Kristin Stapleton, University at Buffalo
'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
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Product details
- Edition: 3rd Edition
- Date Published: August 2022
- format: Hardback
- isbn: 9781009151429
- length: 400 pages
- dimensions: 260 x 208 x 29 mm
- weight: 1.59kg
- availability: In stock
Table of Contents
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.
Author
Patricia Buckley Ebrey, University of Washington
Patricia Buckley Ebrey has taught Chinese history and culture for many years, both at the University of Illinois and later the University of Washington. She has played a leadership role helping students learn about Chinese history and civilization. The first edition of her sourcebook, Chinese Civilization: A Sourcebook, appeared in 1981 and is still widely used. Among her best-known books are The Inner Quarters: Marriage and the Lives of Women in the Sung Period (1993) and Emperor Huizong (2014), both also available in Chinese translation. She currently is editor of the Journal of Chinese History and working on a book on China as an outlier in world history.