Modern China

(Hardback)

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Description

Providing an indispensable resource for students, educators, businessmen, and officials investigating the transformative experience of modern China, this book provides a comprehensive summary of the culture, institutions, traditions, and international relations that have shaped today's China. In Modern China, author Xiaobing Li offers a resource far beyond a conventional encyclopedia, providing not only comprehensive coverage of Chinese civilization and traditions, but also addressing the values, issues, and critical views of China. As a result, readers will better understand the transformative experience of the most populous country in the world, and will grasp the complexity of the progress and problems behind the rise of China to a world superpower in less than 30 years. Written by an author who lived in China for three decades, this encyclopedia addresses 16 key topics regarding China, such as its geography, government, social classes and ethnicities, gender-based identities, arts, media, and food, each followed by roughly 250 short entries related to each topic. All the entries are placed within a broad sociopolitical and socioeconomic contextual framework. The format and writing consistency through the book reflects a Chinese perspective, and allows students to compare Chinese with Western and American views.

Reviews

It is refreshing to see a work that tries to provide a multitude of perspectives in understanding a nation's personality. Each entry is clear, well organized, and highly readable, making it accessible to readers without a background on China. Recommended for high school students and general readers looking for an introduction to modern China and its peoples. * Booklist, Starred Review *
[T]his is a solid introduction to China in the modern context. Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduates and other beginning students; general readers. * Choice *

Author Bio

Xiaobing Li, PhD, is professor and chair of the department of history and geography and director of the Western Pacific Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond.