Modern China

“Hutchings’ focus on events of the 20th century provides a clean temporal boundary—a century marked by revolutionary movements and institutions, change and evolutions, all dominated by communism—the period in which China established itself as a major actor on the world stage. The author intends to create ‘neither a dictionary nor an encyclopedia,’ ‘to be authoritative rather than academic; comprehensive rather than exhaustive; enjoyable as well as enlightening.’ The result is a work that can serve as a reference resource, tempered by a recognition of the author’s deliberate use of ‘point of view’ essays… [T]he book has much value. It is an ambitious and affordable resource.”—K. W. Berger, Choice

“This book offers an excellent summary of many important aspects of China in the modern era. As the China correspondent for London’s Daily Telegraph for over a decade, educated at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, Hutchings has compiled a useful ‘dictionary’ of prominent people, places, policies, and political events that comprise the country’s landscape. The entries, preceded by an introduction discussing general themes, are concise and complete, simplified but not simplistic, and supplemented by helpful inserts… Highly recommended.”—Peggy Spitzer, Library Journal

“You could not possibly have a better guide to China than Graham Hutchings. His book—the product of years of scholarship and first-hand experience—is sharply written, perceptive, and judicious. That overworked word ‘indispensable’ is for once wholly deserved.”—Christopher Patten, last Governor of Hong Kong