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This Is China is almost certainly the shortest introduction to historic and contemporary China. In the revised and updated second edition, China expert Kerry Brown, director of the King's College London, provides insightful answers to today's questions about the world's newest superpower and offers an engaging framework for understanding its meteoric rise.
Jonathan Spence, a professor at Yale University and author of many acclaimed books about Chinese history, writes:
It is hard to imagine that such a short book can cover such a vast span of time and space. This Is China: The First 5,000 Years will help teachers, students, and general readers alike, as they seek for a preliminary guide to the contexts and complexities of Chinese culture.
The book includes Chinese characters and pinyin for many words, making it useful in language teaching. It can be used in curriculum development and as an adjunct reader in social studies, international relations, international business, and political science courses.
This is a well-written and concise compilation of facts about China, helpful to all who are interested in this new relationship. --Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer, author of 45 books and America's most famous and trusted sex therapist
A seamless and lucid essay on Chinese geography, prehistory, history, and culture. Teaches everywhere will welcome it as a classroom aid and a virtuoso contribution to the genre of short books on China --Gregor Benton, Cardiff University
Kerry Brown
Kerry Brown is Professor of Chinese Studies and Director of the Lau China Institute at King's College, London. Prior to that he was Professor of Chinese Politics at the University of Sydney, and Head of the Asia Programme at Chatham House, London. With 30 years experience of life in China, he has worked in education, business and government, including a term as First Secretary at the British Embassy in Beijing. He is author of over 20 books on contemporary China, including The World According to Xi: Everything You Need to Know About the New China (2018). He is currently working on a history of Britain's relations with China since the 16th century.
More by Kerry Brown
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