book suggestion for chinese history?

[bnolsen]

Anyone have a suggestion on a history book about chinese civilization?

 

I'm well versed on Western Civilization but pretty ignorant about eastern.

[Dennis143]

Gee, a 5000 year civilization....where do you want to start? Do you realize what you ask? Pick a year, any year....and that can last you a lifetime, really.

Edited November 27, 2005 by Dennis143 (see edit history)

[LiandLarry]

Anyone have a suggestion on a history book about chinese civilization?

 

I'm well versed on Western Civilization but pretty ignorant about eastern.

171900[/snapback]

Try this link, it is pretty good...........pick your subject.

 

http://www.chinahistoryforum.com/

 

Larry

[hakkamike]

Anyone have a suggestion on a history book about chinese civilization?

 

I'm well versed on Western Civilization but pretty ignorant about eastern.

171900[/snapback]

Try this link, it is pretty good...........pick your subject.

 

http://www.chinahistoryforum.com/

 

Larry

171905[/snapback]

That is a very good site

[tywy_99]

Hong Lou Meng, The Dream of the Red Chamber

 

Try looking into this for some classical Chinese history. It is about the rise and fall of two noble families during the Qing dynasty but it is much more than that. It is a story of love that can't be denied.

 

I purchased the volumes, five in all, from Amazon.com. A fascinating story blended with history, fact and mythology. I read where there is still evidence in Beijing of the households told in the story.

 

More fascinating than the story is the story about the author, Cao Xue Qin himself!

The story is also known as "The Story of the Stone."

It is considered the "Masterpiece" of China literature.

[awch]

As far as recent Chinese history goes....

 

Wild Swans- Jung Chang

Hungry Ghosts- Jasper Becker

China Wakes- Kristoff and WuDunn

Red China Blues- Jan Wong

 

I think that reading these books will give you an excellent grasp of what has happened in China post 1949.