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.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 624 pages
\n Publication date: 05 August 2021
\n Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
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A captivating and comprehensive single-volume history of a civilization that demands greater awareness, "China" by Michael Wood is a masterpiece. Well-paced, accessible, and expertly written, this book offers a profound understanding of China's past, present, and future.

Spanning a remarkable 4000 years, China's history remains relatively unknown to many in the broader world. However, Michael Wood's captivating narrative, interwoven with personal anecdotes and his own travel journals, presents a captivating account of this ancient civilization. From life along the Great Wall to exploration within the Forbidden City, Wood's narrative unfolds like a tapestry, capturing the essence of China's rich heritage.

The story is further enriched with the latest archaeological and documentary discoveries, as well as historical correspondence and court cases dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties. Family letters from soldiers in the Terracotta Army, tales from Silk Road merchants, and the memoirs and diaries of emperors, poets, and peasants provide a unique perspective on China's past.

In the modern era, "China" offers fresh insights and revelations. The electrifying manifestos of feminist revolutionaries Qiu Jin and He Zhen, remarkable eye-witness accounts of the Japanese invasion, the Great Famine, and the Cultural Revolution under Chairman Mao, and fascinating newly published sources for significant turning points in China's modern history, such as the Tiananmen Square crisis of 1989, and the new order established by Deng Xiaoping, are all included in this book.

"China" is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this fascinating civilization. It is a testament to Michael Wood's exceptional talent as a historian and his ability to bring history to life in a way that is both engaging and enlightening. This single-volume history will captivate readers and inspire a renewed interest in China's rich heritage and its pivotal role in shaping the world today.

\n Weight: 464g\n
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 45 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781471175985\n \n