The Rise of Modern China [Paperback]

Immanuel C. Y. Hsï¿1/2 (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195125045 | ISBN-13: 978-0195125047 | Publication Date: December 9, 1999 | Edition: 6

Now in its sixth edition, this book has been updated to examine the return of Hong Kong in 1997 and the upcoming return of Macao in 1999. Hs� discusses the end of the last vestiges of foreign imperialism in China, as well as China's emergence as a regional and global superpower. U.S.-China rivalry and the prospect of unification between China and Taiwan are also considered.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for the previous edition:

"Perhaps the most lively account of modern China -- full of meticulous data as well as fascinating episodic illustrations. A great fusion of social science and humanisitic approaches." -- Vipan Chandra Wheaton College

"A classic comprehensive work with broad appeal." -- Richard H. Bradford, West Virginia Tech

"The best textbook on modern China in all languages, including Chinese .... It is comprehensive and yet interesting to read." -- Key Ray Chong, Texas Tech University

"A work of splendid balance and narrative clarity." -- Harry Dahlheimer, SUNY Cortland College --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Immanuel C. Y. Hsu is at University of California, Santa Barbara.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1136 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 6 edition (December 9, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195125045
• ISBN-13: 978-0195125047
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #337,781 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #92 in Books > History > Ancient > China

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still a definitive work after three decades, January 5, 2001

By 

Jeffrey L. Guthery (Seoul Korea (South)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rise of Modern China (Paperback)

Now in it's sixth edition, this work bt C.Y. Hsu is still one of the most popular textbooks on this subject in universities across the country. Within its 1000+ pages the book covers the period from the beginning of the Ching dynasty (1644) to 1998. I believe that what separates this book from others on this subject is that instead of focusing primarily on geography, chronology, and names, it attempts to provide a glimpse of the personalities and motivations of the many important figures that emerged during this period. The chapters concerning the years between the decline of the Ching at the turn of the 19th century and the establishment of the PRC in 1949 are extremely well done, and convey a great deal of information about important players of that age such as Sun Yat Sen, Mao, and Chiang Kai Shek. It is a well-researched, well-written book, and a pleasure to read.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic- indispensable!, May 6, 2006

By 

Jean (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rise of Modern China (Paperback)

I recently took a course on the history of modern China in university, which covered the era spanning from the late Qing to 21st century. Initially I was rather daunted by the size and thickness of this book, but I ended up reading this book 3 times by the end of the course because it was so readable. Immanuel Hsu's analysis is clear and obviously up to par. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is taking a similar course. If you're keen to understand China particularly in the light of current affairs, you need to know about its recent history as well. There is no better place to start than with "The Rise of China" by Immanuel Hsu.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent work by one of the best scholars of Modern Chinese History, October 27, 2005

By 

esar (Santa Barbara, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rise of Modern China (Paperback)

This is the best single-volume history of Modern China that you could own. It covers the history of China from the Ch'ing (Qing) dynasty to the emergence of China as a global superpower at the beginning of the 21st century. Scholarly, yet immensely readable. This work will remain a lasting memorial to Professor Hsü, a preeminent scholar of Modern Chinese History, whom I had the great privilege to know.