The Shortest History of China
From the Ancient Dynasties to a Modern Superpower - A Retelling for Our Times

This is a very good overview of a topic that is so vast that it's almost impossible to summarise. A good starting point for people who are planning to do more reading on China and a great option for those who just want to read one, accessible book about the country's history.......more

The Shortest History of China is a richly informative and important book. China's past is key to the modern world. This nimble and pacy history of rogues, revolutions and rebellions can be read in a single afternoon but will transform your perspective for a lifetime. Some people turn to Chinese hist......more

This book is exactly what it claims to be and it does it well. While not comprehensive it covers important points of each dynasty, highlighting key players, advances in philosophical thought and invention and well as covering the cyclonic nature of history. Covering the rise and fall, prosperity and......more

What a blessing this concise, readable history is for my students. I teach AP World History to high school sophomores and learning about China is always a daunting task. Enter "The Shortest History of China." In fifteen relatively brief chapters, the author present thousands of years of history my s......more

As someone from China, I would say this book is solid as an introduction to the history of China. On a side note, I notice the author went out of her way to highlight the influence of important females in each dynasty. Given Chinese society is mostly patriarchal throughout its history (and to the pre......more