- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (13 May 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 052166991X
- ISBN-13: 978-0521669917
- Product Dimensions: 25.2 x 20.2 x 2.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 335,305 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
'Patricia Ebrey's Illustrated History of China is a fine book, sumptuous and scholarly. With great economy of text, it outlines the major elements and changes in four millennia of Chinese history and social life; the art work and photographs, skilfully chosen and admirably reproduced, both illuminate the text and supplement it.' Jonathan Spence, Yale University
'The splendid collection of pictures displays painstaking research. But it is the author's careful and clear synthesis of China's long history that is most remarkable. This book will, in time, I believe, be regarded as a classic.' Kwang-Ching Liu, Davis
'The splendid collection of pictures displays painstaking research. But it is the author's careful and clear synthesis of China's long history that is most remarkable. This book will, in time, I believe, be regarded as a classic.' Kwang-Ching Liu, Davis
Product Description
In an extraordinary feat of synthesis, Patricia Buckley Ebrey, a leading scholar of China, gives an engaging, full, gloriously illustrated account of over 8000 years of Chinese civilization - from prehistoric times through the rise of Confucianism, Buddhism and the imperial dynasties to the modern communist state. In addition, she explores the different factors and forces, ideas and inventions, events and leaders that have shaped the remarkable Chinese civilization we know today; including the technological advances, the population explosion, and the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution. Everything appears, from the influence of leading Chinese historians, poets, novelists and dramatists to the impact of key philosophical and religious ideas, art forms, family patterns, and the Mongul, Manchu and Western intrusions.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
97 of 97 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have been very pleased with this book which I bought in order to have a one-volume general introduction to Chinese history. The work is coherent and readable throughout and contains reference to a wide range of those different subjects that provide such a rich texture to Chinese history: religion; philosophy; art; crime and punishment.
In terms of the usual pageants of princes and death, Ms Ebrey synthesises quite successfully major themes of history (or at least those in which I am most interested currently) without becoming bogged down in details. For example, the sections on southward expansion of the Empire during the Song Dynasty, its economic and industrial development and the relevance of this to nation building are all excellent summaries.
It would be easy - and probably unfair - to criticise a work such as this for what is omitted or for which subjects of particular interest to the reader might have been developed more. Readers who do wish for more information are provided with a section on further reading which should be sufficient to meet most needs.
Finally, the book is illustrated throughout and the numerous photographs, maps and reproductions are nicely chosen and add to the text.
I would certainly recommend this book.
48 of 49 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I used this book for a school report and although I had about 7 other books, I mainly used this one. It discussed all of the main trends in Chinese History and well as having pictures and little "focus" pages, which specialized in topics cruical to each era.
I think it was a great book also after since it was easy to read and understand. It was by no means difficult to read, but at a perfect level for discussing topics. A very good book!
I think it was a great book also after since it was easy to read and understand. It was by no means difficult to read, but at a perfect level for discussing topics. A very good book!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I bought this book for my daughter who is studying Chinese at University. She had borrowed it from a local library before her course started and realised that in comparison with all the books that she was then advised to read for research, this was the only one that didn't bore her silly. It has all the information with good illustrations whilst being a thoroughly interesting read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good, concise, detailed, and well written
This was essential reading for one of my modules at university and it serves its purpose very well.
The book covers Chinese history from earliest times through to the... Read more
The book covers Chinese history from earliest times through to the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by S
best short introduction to a long history
I can only recommend this title to anyone who need a good all-round introduction to
Chinese history. Read more
Chinese history. Read more
Published 2 months ago by otto
Great introduction to history of China
I was looking for a basic history book to provide some insight into modern China.
Just read Patricia Buckley Ebrey's 'Cambridge Illustrated History - China' (2nd... Read more
Just read Patricia Buckley Ebrey's 'Cambridge Illustrated History - China' (2nd... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Barry
History that strives to include everybody
Ebrey is always sensitive to the implications of events for ordinary people and for women. She constructs her history like a vast collage of voices, and strive to include every... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Brian Griffith
an excellent balance
Chinese history texts can, for the general reader, collapse into a confusing morass of difficult names, which look very similar, or at least are difficult to remember and get a fix... Read more
Published 15 months ago by cerrig
Listmania!
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