Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City [Paperback]

Lillian M. Li (Author), Alison Dray-Novey (Author), Haili Kong (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0230605273 | ISBN-13: 978-0230605275 | Publication Date: April 29, 2008 | Edition: First Edition

Few world cities have a record as long, as fascinating, or as well-documented as Beijing's. A capital almost continuously for more than a thousand years, the city has been Khubilai Khan's Mongol headquarters, home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the main stage for Communist-era achievements and upheavals. Beijing is the first book in English to trace this vibrant city's history from its earliest days to the present. It highlights recent changes in the city as its more than fifteen million people live through record-level economic growth and intensive preparations for the 2008 Olympics. Focusing on the lives of ordinary residents and rulers alike, the authors examine the controversial destruction of historic districts as well as the construction of new residential and business districts and Olympic venues. Extensive photographs and paintings, many not previously published, offer a window onto Beijing not only in major phases of its past, but also in its startlingly different present. Compelling and revealing, Beijing arrives just in time for the city's turn in the Olympic spotlight.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a timely publication, appropriate for the serious reader who would like to understand the social history of Beijing and get an insight into some of its contemporary urban problems. . .The book is well written and will engage the inquisitive reader."--Jeffrey F. Meyer, China Review International

 

"In an engaging style and enlightening narrative, Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City, tells the fascinating story of how Beijing...made the transition from China's most enduring imperial capital to a center of international commerce in the twenty-first century, as well as the site of the 2008 World Olympics."--Merle Goldman, Professor Emerita of Chinese History, Boston University, and co-author of An Intellectual History of Modern China

 

"This book is a unique excursion through a great past and present, neither misleading the beginner nor disappointing the expert. Indeed, the combination of lucidity, conciseness and deft selection of detail is an amazing accomplishment. The city of Beijing is brilliantly conjured by this book--in time, in space, in humanity, and in significance."--Pamela Kyle Crossley, Professor of History, Dartmouth College, and author of The Manchus (1997) and co-author of Global Society: The World since 1900 (2007)

 

"Useful and applicable to all levels... Recommended." —CHOICE

 

"A treat even for the lay reader." —Simon Kuper, Author of Football Against the Enemy

About the Author

Lillian M. Li is Professor of History, Swarthmore College.  Alison J. Dray-Novey is Professor of History, College of Notre Dame of Maryland.  Haili Kong is Professor of Chinese Language, Literature, and Film, Swarthmore College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; First Edition edition (April 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0230605273
• ISBN-13: 978-0230605275
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #384,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City, December 8, 2007

By 

Karen J. Hofman (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City (Hardcover)

You are in for a treat! To understand China one must understand Beijing. While written by academics it is highly accessible to the lay public - it is MUST READ for anyone who has ever visited Beijing or is contemplating a visit. The photos and color plates are fascinating. It will be of interest to anyone who wishes to understand the culture, food, customs and the multi layered history of Beijing and of China - it also provides a nuanced view of urban planning gone awry in one of the fastest changing cities on the planet.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read before you visit, February 12, 2008

By 

Anne Conroy - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City (Hardcover)

I found this book tremendously helpful before my first visit to Beijing. It gives perspecitve for all vsitors to the city and puts Beijing in the context of the history of China. Easy to read for the nonacademic, I found this essential to a full appreciation of this remarkable city.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference book on Beijing for everyone, July 18, 2007

By 

Shiayi Huang "Xiayi" (Edison, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City (Hardcover)

This is a great reference book for historians doing research or for anyone who wants to learn more about Beijing and Chinese history. The book leads you from Beijing's rise as an imperial capital city to its emergence as an Olympic City. Although Beijing's history is long and complicated, the authors have succeeded in the difficult task of putting so much information into a book yet keeping it succinct, interesting, and easy to follow. The fascinating stories of ordinary residents add a personal touch to the book, while the pictures revive many details of the past.

I have been to Beijing many times. But after reading the book, I felt like wanting to go back right away to find out more about this capital city.