Great State: China and the World

One of the world's oldest nations, China has maintained its current borders for eight centuries since the Yuan dynasty's ascendancy in the 13th century. It has had to deal with invaders from the steppe and the difficulties presented by foreign traders and imperialists, and its rulers for the most part have not been Chinese. Timothy Brook's book explores China's relationship with the world from the Yuan to the present by following the stories of ordinary and extraordinary people navigating the spaces where China meets and meets the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

China, a nation with a rich and storied history, stands as one of the oldest states in the world. Its approximate borders were established during the ascendancy of the Yuan dynasty in the 13th century, and despite the passage of one Imperial dynasty to the next, China has maintained these boundaries for the remarkable eight centuries. Even the mighty European colonial powers, at the peak of their dominance, found themselves unable to penetrate beyond the coastal enclaves of China. Thus, China remained China throughout the Ming, Qing, Republic, Occupation, and Communism eras.

Despite the desires of some of the most influential figures throughout history, China has never been isolated from the rest of the world. It has faced invasions from the steppes and encountered the challenges posed by foreign traders and imperialists. Throughout the majority of the last eight centuries, the rulers of China were not of Chinese descent.

In his book, Timothy Brook delves into the intricate relationship between China and the world, spanning from the Yuan dynasty to the present. Through the narratives of ordinary and extraordinary individuals, Brook explores the spaces where China intersects and interacts with the rest of the world. This captivating history encompasses a wide range of characters, including bureaucrats, horse traders, spiritual leaders, explorers, pirates, emperors, invaders, migrant workers, traitors, and visionaries.

This unique perspective on China's history offers a fresh and insightful perspective, challenging the conventional narratives that have been prevalent in the past. Brook's work provides a comprehensive and detailed account of China's interactions with the world, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted nature of this great nation. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student of international relations, or simply interested in learning more about the world, China's History as Told by Ordinary and Extraordinary People is a must-read.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 199 x 132 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781258293
Edition number: Main