China (Cradles of Civilization) [Hardcover]

Robert E. Murowchick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1994 | Series: Cradles of Civilization

Whatever aspect of China interests the reader, this beautifully illustrated volume will provide a thorough and thought-provoking look at this complex and often volatile country.

Said to be the oldest continuous civilization, China is a country full of contradictions; it is at once tranquil and dramatic, unified and diverse. China: Ancient Culture, Modern Land gives the reader the experience of living in China today as well as an overview of ancient Chinese history and culture.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Approximately the same length as the Contemporary Atlas of China (1988) but shorter than the Cultural Atlas of the World: China (Time-Life, 1990. rev. ed.), and naturally without their emphasis on cartography, this volume offers 16 well-illustrated chapters by various scholars that chronologically explore topics such as the characters of written Chinese, Buddhism, the Tang and Song dynasties, and "Revolution, Evolution and Continuity." Grace S. Fong's contribution, "Early Literary Traditions," which asserts that "in no other culture has poetry played such a continuous and important role in social and intellectual life," is particularly noteworthy. With change so imminent in China, this text rightfully employs a historical approach and downplays such unstable realities as healthcare, industry, and trade, which are discussed in the above-cited atlases. This volume is, however, recent enough to offer a balanced account of Tiananmen Square. Editor Murowchick is the associate director of Harvard's Fairbank Center for East Asian Research. Recommended for all libraries.
Jack Shreve, Allegany Community Coll., Cumberland, Md.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

The initial installment of the new Cradles of Civilization series is devoted to outlining the evolution of Chinese culture and history from antiquity to the modern era. Contributors represent a cross section of international experts, including anthropologists, archaeologists, geographers, and historians. Individual chapters focus on the land, people, government, philosophers and statesmen, religion, language, and revolution. This well-illustrated volume provides a solid overview of a highly complex society rooted in ancient traditions. A splendid introductory study. Margaret Flanagan

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press (October 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806126833
• ISBN-13: 978-0806126838
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,364,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Up-To-Date Book, June 23, 2000

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"iamnickolavish" - See all my reviews

This review is from: China (Cradles of Civilization) (Hardcover)

China : Ancient Culture, Modern Land (Cradles of Civilization) is a colorful well designed book that is packed full with information on the world's most populous country. For the past or the present this book provides neccesary information for anyone who is doing reaserch on China. With a large array of pictures and interesting information this is a great book to buy. Information from the dynasties to the Communist rule over China today, makes this book worth the buy.