CHUNG KUO: THE MIDDLE KINGDOM [Hardcover]

David Wingrove (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1989 | Series: Chung Kuo

The Year is 2190. China has once again become a  world unto itself and this time its only boundary  is space . . . The world is City Earth, ruled by  the Seven, China's new kings. Beautiful, controlled,  sensual, this high-tech society is rushing toward  war between the forces of West and East, between  the rebels who hunger for change and the overlords  who demand stability, between the very powers of  darkness and light. It will be an era of violent  conflagration destined to expose the basest elements  of human nature . . . and the highest dreams. An  epic that draws us into an alternative world so  real, so complete that we become denizens of the new  Middle Kingdom, touched by longings we never  imagined. . . driven by forces as ancient as man's first  breath. Not since Asminov's  Foundation books and Herbert's Dune  has there been such a majestic and powerful  vision of a believable other world. . . seductive,  chilling, unforgettable!

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The first book in a projected series of seven is set 200 years in the future, when the world's 34 billion people are ruled by a sort of pre-Communist version of China. Monarchs have ruthlessly suppressed all knowledge of pre-Empire conditions and technology, hoping to maintain their fragile control as some Europeans push for the right to build a starship. Court intrigue, propriety and "face" count for more than talent or skill in this clearly evoked, decadent and threatened society. While this first novel from Wingrove, co-author of the Hugo Award-winning Trillion Year Spree: The History of Science Fiction , is easy to read, it suffers from cardboard characterizations, indecisive plotting and seemingly arbitrary closing. Major ad/promo.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

When a 600-page novel peopled by dozens of characters and complicated by complex layers of intrigue leaves one eager for more, then something very exciting has been created. Wingrove's novel of the 22nd century, in which China rules the world's 39 billion people, is an imaginative, fast-paced exploration of the future. As the Chinese ideals of harmony and order are challenged by the restive Europeans' thirst for change and progress, a rift forms that points the world toward a devastating war. Neatly dovetailed story lines, well-paced plotting, and exotic, intriguing characters are definite pluses. This first novel premieres a planned series of seven. Highly recommended. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/88.
-Beth Ann Mills, New Rochelle P.L., N.Y.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 592 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Press; First Edition edition (December 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385298730
• ISBN-13: 978-0385298735
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,144,213 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING., March 3, 2000

By 

D. Reed (Atlanta) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chung Kuo: The Middle Kingdom: Book 1 (Paperback)

This series is fantastic. It is compared to Herbert, Asimov, etc. Frankly, I think it's better. The plot is gripping, almost without exception, to the point that my heart races when I'm reading it. The characters are complex, varied, and believable. The setting is ingenious; the breadth of the author's understanding of Chinese culture mind-boggling. I have read the series once already, about eight years ago; and now I'm through book III again.

As I read the other reviews, I see that for the most part readers either love it or hate it. The negative criticism I see includes the following: it is too complex, with too many characters; it is too violent, and sex especially is mixed with violence too often; and it is racist and sexist.

My response: indeed, the story is complex, but it is equally tight. If you enjoy--and can hold in your mind--a richly textured world, you will savor its breadth. If you want something less meaty, you won't have to look far: water covers most of the earth.

Next: the book is violent--graphically so. If you have a weak stomach, don't read it. The story is not all sugar and spice. It's a story of social and political revolution, not romance. Some of the characters are really nasty, and do really nasty things, just like real-life historical and contemporary characters. But in contrast are numerous scenes and episodes which are quite touching and beautiful; they are expressions of the author's depth of soul and endearing sense of humanity.

And the sex...well, much of it is violent, as (like it or not) it is in real life; but what the critics fail to acknowledge is the many sweet, truly romantic and beautiful episodes of love-making that are portrayed.

Likewise with the criticism that the book is sexist or racist: I suppose the reader will see that for which he or she is looking. Those who insist that the women in the book are degraded fail to remember the numerous heroines who impress the reader with their strength and intelligence; or they assume that the author's depiction of a patriarchal society is the description of his wished utopia.

Do not apologize, Mr. Wingrove. Your readers will either appreciate your achievement and thank you for not patronizing them; or they will condemn you for not giving them the politically-correct narcotic they desire.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Edgar Allan Poe, Frank Herbert, Confucius, and Orwell, March 8, 2000

By 

Alex Malinovich (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chung Kuo: The Middle Kingdom: Book 1 (Paperback)

Unlike the majority of the reviews present here, this one is being written after only having read the first book in the series. (Chung Kuo) As has been stated many times before, you will either LOVE this book or you will HATE it. The book is definitely not for the weak of heart (or stomach). I have seen many of the so-called "Death Videos" out there without too much trouble. However, the depiction of sado-masochistic sex left me nothing short of sick. I have no doubt that, had I not been reading the book on an empty stomach, I would have vomited as soon as finished that particular passage. This is one of those few times that I seriously wonder about the mental stability of the author. The passage in question is there in order to imbue you with a deep hatred for one of the major antagonists in the story which at least partially justifies the brutality of it.

The two biggest complaints I have seen (other than the violence) has been the plot/character structure and the stereotyping/racism/etc. In terms of plot twists, character depth, and other issues, you had better be prepared. The character list which was thoughtfully provided by the author is 4 pages long. (One name per line) I found myself flipping back to the list often, yet I found it rather engaging. It truly shows the breadth of thought of the author.

In adressing the issue of racism/sexism/etc, there is not much to be said. If you truly believe that ancient China was NOT racist and sexist, perhaps you should check out "The Little Engine That Could." For those who can view the world as it is, the book is a depiction of what would happen if (when?) ancient Chinese culture became the world norm as opposed to the current Americanized world culture.

To address the issue of all women being treated as sex objects, etc, I have found that the majority of the female characters portrayed are quite cunning, some much more so than their male counterparts.

If you are a reader of science fiction or any sort of political intrigue, I implore you, find the book at your local library. If you get offended by it, or if you can't quite keep up with the multitude of characters, you won't have wasted any money. However, if you enjoy it, you will be drugged by it. You will find yourself sitting up WAY past your bedtime to read it. I will confess that, for 3 days, I went on 2 hours of sleep per night because of this book. This one is definitely a keeper.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book, April 6, 2002

By 

Tim Lieder "Founder of Dybbuk Press" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: CHUNG KUO: THE MIDDLE KINGDOM (Hardcover)

I'm rather sad to find out that the rest of the books in this series are out of print, not that I won't track them down eventually, but this is a brilliant beginning.

It's two hundred years in the future and China rules the world. Not only do the Chinese dynasties rule everything, but they've changed history so that they've always ruled everything. Dispersionists fight to overthrow the system, but in many ways they are more corrupt and evil than the actual system itself.

Akin to Dune in that you can't completely side with anyone, this book depicts a world of cutthroats and diplomats. You'll find yourself siding with the people trying to uphold the system simply because they have honor and integrity while the rebels are vicious creeps. Ultimately the best character in this book is Chen, the trained assassin that helps expose DeVore's manipulations (but doesn't catch him). However, this is a large canvas and something that can't be taken in all at once. It's one of the best books about horrible people that you will read in a long time.