Previous edition: 1996

Includes bibliographical references and index

The origins of Chinese civilization: Neolithic period to the Western Zhou dynasty -- Philosophical foundations: the Eastern Zhou period -- The creation of the bureaucratic empire: the Qin and Han dynasties -- Buddhism, aristocracy, and alien rulers: the age of division -- A cosmopolitan empire: the Tang dynasty -- Shifting south: the Song dynasty -- Alien rule: the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties -- The limits of autocracy: the Ming dynasty -- Manchus and imperialism: the Qing dynasty -- Taking action: the early twentieth century -- Radical reunification: the People's Republic -- Opening to the world: China since 1976

"More populous than any other country on earth, China also occupies a unique place in our modern world for the continuity of its history and culture. In this sumptuously illustrated single-volume history, now in its second edition, noted historian Patricia Buckley Ebrey traces the origins of Chinese culture from prehistoric times to the present. She follows its development from the rise of Confucianism, Buddhism, and the great imperial dynasties to the Mongol, Manchu, and Western intrusions and the modern communist state. Her scope is phenomenal - embracing Chinese arts, culture, economics, society and its treatment of women, foreign policy, emigration, and politics, including the key uprisings of 1919 and 1989 in Tiananmen Square. Both a comprehensive introduction to an extraordinary civilization and an expert exploration of the continuities and disjunctures of Chinese history, Professor Ebrey's book has become an indispensable guide to China past and present. This second edition includes a new chapter on China's recent opening to the world and a fully revised guide to further reading"--Publisher's description