A Brief History of China

For thousands of years, China has influenced military strategies, trade relations, aesthetics, philosophy, and culinary traditions across various countries around the world—yet China’s history is contradictory like no other. And for all that contradiction, it also follows certain patterns, knowledge of which allows you to form a coherent impression of China with its limitless human, cultural, and economic potential. Linda Jayvin, wishing to share her deep knowledge of China’s past and present and her love for this country with an interested reader, skillfully pieces together the intricate puzzle of Chinese history, illustrating the narrative with drawings, photographs, diagrams, and maps. The author draws important generalizations and offers forecasts about what awaits China in the foreseeable future and how it may affect the fate of the entire planet.
“Faced with the need to choose between key figures, economic and social processes, military history, aesthetic and intellectual currents, I choose… everything. I highlight the topics, events, and people who, as I see it, shed light on the essence of their time, on the development of Chinese civilization and statehood. I do not mention all the many emperors, rebels, thinkers, artists, oddballs, inventors, politicians, and poets. I will introduce you to some of the most interesting and influential people and, insofar as possible in such a small book, let them tell you about themselves. I will provide quotes from works by ancient historians, contemporary politicians, poets, and satirists. China is very diverse, and this complex diversity is part of its greatness.” (Linda Jayvin)