The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 6: Alien Regimes and Border States, 907-1368 [Hardcover]

Denis C. Twitchett (Editor), Herbert Franke (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 25, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0521243319 | ISBN-13: 978-0521243315

This volume deals with four non-Chinese regimes: the Khitan dynasty of Liao; the Tangut state of Hsi Hsia; the Jurchen empire of Chin; and the Mongolian Yuan dynasty that eventually engulfed the whole of China. It investigates the historical background from which these regimes emerged and shows how each in its own way set up viable institutions for the control of a multi-racial, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural population. It discusses these problems not just as a long negative episode in China's history, but shows the ingenuity and adaptability of these states, and their success in achieving political and social stability. The volume presents the fullest chronological account of the period, in which political, institutional, social, and economic changes are integrated as far as possible, and sees the period against a broad background of international relations in Northern and Central Asia.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the studies presented in this volume have...raised questions which need to be further explored....the level of scholarship expressed in this volume is very high. It is to the credit of the editors and each contributor that we can now say that the stage is set for a new understanding of this period in Chinese history." Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies

"This volume presents a more authoritative, more comprehensive, and far clearer picture of these regimes that occupied first nothern and western China, an eventually the entire country, than has previously been available....It is difficult to do full justice in reviewing a volume of such magnitude....This volume is indeed a rich banquet, but it is also one that needs to be digested slowly in order to sample fully its varied flavors. Its publication is an event worthy of celebration." The Historian

"...a tremendous contribution....this volume is an outstanding encyclopedic study of a unique part of Chinese history, and it should prove useful as a resource not only to researchers and graduate students, but also to those who teach undergraduates....unquestionably an important accomplishment. It will lead readers to a better understanding of the role of the non-Han peoples in Chinese history and encourage all to meditate upon the revolutionary question: what is, in fact, Chinese history?" China Review International

"...an important synthesis of aspects and periods of the history of China which have, until relatively recently, been somewhat neglected by scholars....Both editors and contributors deserve our congratulations and gratitude." D. O. Morgan, Reviews of Books

"...an indispensable reference work." The International History Review

"...a sound survey as well as an indispensable starting point for serious students or researchers." Choice

Book Description

This volume deals with four non-Chinese regimes: the Khitan dynasty of Liao; the Tangut state of Hsi Hsia; the Jurchen empire of Chin; the Mongolian Yüan dynasty that eventually engulfed China. It investigates the background from which these regimes emerged and shows how each set up viable institutions for the control of a multi-racial, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural population. It discusses these problems not just as a long negative episode in China's history, but shows the ingenuity and adaptability of these states, and their success in achieving political and social stability.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 816 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 25, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521243319
• ISBN-13: 978-0521243315
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,479,456 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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