The Cambridge Illustrated History of China

With more than a billion people and 5,000 years of history, it's not surprising that most books on the History of China cover a brief period in excruciating depth. Patricia Ebrey's book is a deliciously self-aware overview, that delivers just what it promises: It covers all the issues and the illustrations are carefully chosen to amplify the text (not just a bunch of photos bound in the middle of the book). The book is beautifully printed--in China, of course!Ebrey gets across the important point that we look to China and want a simple, linear summary, when China is complex and decidedely non-linear. (The Cultural Revolution as much happened to Mao as it was caused by him, for example). Moreover, she explains how our Western world view needs to see certain things (we always want the good guys to win in the end--perhaps they won't). This book would be great for a student at any level from High School library on to college. It could be used as a text and I'm also recommending it to US business people working with China. It's a wonderful introduction to the culture. The only quibble is that the Anglo pronunciation of pinyin isn't explained with a reference (for example, Qing Dynasty is pronounced "Ching" but you can't find that here). The pricing is very attractive too.

This is perfect for people interested in the basics of Chinese history. Easy to follow

This is a good solid introductory history of China with much more well written text that I had expected. It covers the major facts very well. I would recommend for an introductory college course or anyone interested but unfamiliar with Chinese history. It contains many excellent and informative full color maps that I particularly appreciated. The many full color illustrations are clear and relevant to the text. It will remain in my Chinese history collection as an accessible reference. Garrison Moore

I had to buy this book for a university class about Chinese history and I really loved it. Although we were assigned long sections of reading each night, the text book remained interesting and I learned a lot. It's unfortunate that so little of this is taught in lower levels of history education especially since China has such a long and influential history.

Its old but serves its purpose for beginners. Good place to start for a basic history class in East Asia Studies.

I bought a copy (used) for all my college grandsons and one for my daughter who lives near by Hong Kong. I also gave on to my nephew when he was home in the USA. He lives in Beijing. The book is not self-righteous or preachy. It is the straight stuff. Careful reading is necessary if you are going to live in China.

A informative book I have ever read.

Easy to read, this book accomplished what I was looking for: a complete high-level view of chinese history.The few things I would have like to be a bit different:- More maps, there are quite a few of them, but more would have helped- Less on art, I did not care about history of Chinese art, but about China and Chinese people- I was surprised that events like the building or the great wall or the decision to cut itself from the rest of the world by burning its navy was treated so quickly. I think some key events like these should have had a bit more time dedicated to them.However, all-in-all, I'm glad I read this book. It reads like a novel, not a class textbook, and for the first time allowed me to have a better understanding of the Chinese history, beyong the last few decades I had learned in High-school.I now need to find an equivalent book on India...