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Lillian M. Li

Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City Hardcover – May 29, 2007

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

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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.

Print length

321 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Palgrave Macmillan
Publication date

May 29, 2007
Dimensions

6.13 x 1.13 x 9.25 inches
ISBN-10

1403964734
ISBN-13

978-1403964731
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"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)

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

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Palgrave Macmillan; 1st edition (May 29, 2007)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 321 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1403964734
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1403964731
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.46 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.13 x 1.13 x 9.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #3,820,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #5,268 in Political Economy
- #5,823 in History of Civilization & Culture
- #8,071 in Chinese History (Books)

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Mary

Absorbing!

Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2009

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Grand events and the life of ordinary--and not so ordinary--people come alive in this very well-written account of Beijing's history. It is not a "guide-book" in the usual understanding of that term: such-and-such can be found at. At the same time, it is a "guide-book" to gaining a feel and an appreciation for one particular city and for the people whose capital it is. In it, one himself/herself lives through the long history of Beijing. Marvelous presentation!

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2020

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Came in great condition!

Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2016

Very nicely written.

A great reference book on Beijing for everyone

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2007

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.

3 people found this helpful

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Karen J. Hofman

Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City

Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2007

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.

5 people found this helpful

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Anne

Must read before you visit

Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2008

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.

2 people found this helpful

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Marc Romano

Disappointing

Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2008

This book has quite a bit of information but lacks the organization to help you navigate or plan your trip. It provides little commentary or opinion.

Better information can be found online for free.

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