The history of China

This book presents an informative introduction to China's past and present, from traditional accounts of its beginnings more than 3,000 years ago to its modern emergence as a first-world nation. China is both the world's oldest continuing civilization and an emerging global superpower. Over the last two millennia, this rich and complex nation has often been the wealthiest and most populous country on Earth, and within a few decades, China may surpass all other nations as the most powerful in the world. As Chinese society and culture evolves on a seemingly daily basis, due to its booming economy and expansion as a producer of consumer and industrial goods, its influence upon the world grows as well. Perhaps now more than any time in the modern era, the history of China is a topic with great importance and relevance. In this volume readers will find a general survey of Chinese society's long history, ranging from accounts of ancient Chinese civilization, to coverage of the individual dynasties of imperial China, through China's whirlwind transition to modernity and its belated arrival in the international community. There is an informative chapter on Taiwan and a final chapter that discusses the formidable challenges China faces in the 21st century, including overpopulation, environmental degradation, and social stability.