Reviews
This literate, well-balanced general history of China from the earliest times through the death of Deng Xiaoping in 1997 is a singular achievement...[Roberts's] focus is on political history, but social, economic, and intellectual trends are not neglected...Throughout, Roberts cites different interpretations of key historical issues, including the most recent scholarship, thereby conveying a sense of Chinese history as a dynamic, evolving field. An excellent textbook for intelligent undergraduates, this is also accessible to general readers., Chinese history, given its length and diversity, can frequently puzzle the untrained Western reader. Roberts has written a concise, coherent, and unadorned survey of Chinese history. His sharp prose is readable without being condescending to the general reader, and he does an admirable job of explaining the importance and accomplishments of the various dynasties, philosophers, and political and military leaders who have left their mark on Chinese culture...Those laypeople who wish to gain a greater appreciation of this ancient, vital, and fascinating land will find this work enjoyable and immensely informative., Capturing the full sweep of China's tortured history, this succinct yet highly readable chronicle skillfully incorporates the latest research, whether the topic is China's vast, cosmopolitan eighth-century cities of the Tang empire, the widespread practice of female infanticide during the Ming period, China's failure to industrialize in the18th century, of the rivalry between Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping following the disaster of the Great Leap Forward, when Mao found himself increasingly excluded from power...Along the way, British historian Roberts continually challenges received opinions and conventional interpretations...While much of the narrative centers on rebellions, politics and the rise and fall of dynasties and empires, Roberts keeps up the momentum with shrewd assessments of personalities and events, colorful incidents and interludes covering artistic as well as religious and intellectual developments. He provides a handy compass for understanding China's headlong economic modernization, its crushing of the democracy movement and the current deadlock between reformers and conservatives., [Roberts] provides both fascinating detail and clear explanations of some of the best-known aspects of Chinese history...[It is] a clear trail into a vast, lovely, alluring land., In seven chapters, this readable and highly interesting book covers the whole of Chinese history...The book is both descriptive and interpretive and, despite covering a long period already considered many times before, offers new insights based on some up-to-date findings and newly discovered evidence., Certainly the actual history of China can hardly be called concise...Yet Roberts has produced a historical reference that would fit in a suitcase and still leave room for clothes and cameras. Further, it does a nice job...Those who pick up this book need have no previous introduction to the topic. Here they will gain a satisfactory initial exposure to the major conflicts and highlights of each period of China's known history as well as the major players throughout.
