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A Brief History of China

Dynasty, Revolution and Transformation: From the Middle Kingdom to the People's Republic

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A Brief History of China

By: Jonathan Clements
Narrated by: Julian Elfer
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About this listen

A Brief History of China tells of the development of a rich and complex civilization where the use of paper, writing, money, and gunpowder were widespread in ancient times and where silk, ceramics, tea, metal implements, and other products were produced and exported around the globe. It examines the special conditions that allowed a single culture to unify an entire continent spanning 10 billion square kilometers under the rule of a single man - and the unbelievably rich artistic, literary and architectural heritage that Chinese culture has bequeathed to the world. Equally fascinating is the story of China's decline in the 19th and early 20th century - as Europeans and Americans took center stage - and its modern resurgence as an economic powerhouse in recent years.

In his retelling of a Chinese history stretching back 5,000 years, author and China-expert Jonathan Clements focuses on the human stories which led to the powerful transformations in Chinese society - from the unification of China under its first emperor, Qinshi Huangdi, to the Mongol invasion under Genghis Khan and the consolidation of Communist rule under Mao Zedong. Clements even brings listeners through to the present day, outlining China's economic renaissance under Deng Xiaoping and Xi Jinping.

©2019 Jonathan Clements (P)2019 Tantor
Ancient Asia China Military World Ancient History Socialism Imperial Japan War Mongol Empire Middle East Capitalism Ancient China

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Great overview

As a recent beginner in Chinese and Asian history, I found this to be a very welcome and welcoming overview, providing a pathway into an area of history I had not previously explored, well worth the listen and great source of future reading.

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What a story

A Cannonball Run through the history of China…. nine ten eleven twelve thirteen fourteen fifteen.

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Epic journey through the history of an incredible people

Beautiful words: “no wall can defend against a storm”… “praying once again to the gods for rain”… “the Mandate of Heaven might be otherwise interpreted as the mandate of environmental change”…
The complexities of China’s history and the struggle towards virtue - an honourable life of this country which everyone can appreciate if only we can listen and learn

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