Story of China: A portrait of a civilisation and its people

A one-volume history of China by Michael Wood, combining grand sweep with local and personal stories, archaeological and documentary discoveries, and memoirs and diaries of emperors, poets, and peasants. The book offers new insights into the country's modern history, from the feminist revolutionaries Qiu Jin and He Zhen to the Japanese invasion, the Great Famine, and the Cultural Revolution. It also explores the forces that have kept China together for so long and asks what lies behind its extraordinary rise today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 624 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

A captivating and comprehensive single-volume history of a civilization that demands greater awareness, "China" by Michael Wood is a masterpiece that unfolds in a well-paced and engaging manner. This essential read for anyone seeking to understand China's past, present, and future offers a profound exploration of its 4000-year-old heritage.

Through a seamless narrative that blends the grand sweep with local and personal stories, woven together with the author's own travel journals, "China" offers an enthralling account of China's rich tapestry. From life stationed on the awe-inspiring Great Wall to immersing oneself in the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the book transports readers to the heart of this ancient civilization.

What sets "China" apart is its rich tapestry of historical sources. The story is enriched with the latest archaeological and documentary discoveries, correspondence and court cases dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties, family letters from soldiers in the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, stories from Silk Road merchants and Buddhist travelers, as well as memoirs and diaries of emperors, poets, and peasants. This wealth of information adds depth and richness to the narrative, providing a comprehensive perspective on China's history.

In the modern era, the book offers fresh insights and revelations. It delves into the electrifying manifestos of feminist revolutionaries like Qiu Jin and He Zhen, provides extraordinary eye-witness accounts of the Japanese invasion, the Great Famine, and the tumultuous Cultural Revolution under Chairman Mao. Additionally, it unveils fascinating newly published sources that shed light on significant turning points in China's modern history, such as the Tiananmen Square crisis of 1989 and the new order that emerged after the fall of the Soviet Union.

"China" by Michael Wood is a must-read for anyone who desires to deepen their understanding of this fascinating civilization. It is a testament to the power of history and the importance of exploring the past to shape our understanding of the present and the future.

Weight: 894g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781471176012