Author's Note. Maps. Introduction. 1. The End of the Imperial Monarchy. 2. The Early Republic. 3. The Rise of the Guomindang and the Chinese Communist Party. 4. The War of Resistance against Japan. 5. The New Communist Government. 6. Mao's Road to Socialism. 7. The Post-Maoist Order. Conclusion. Glossary of Chinese Terms. Bibliography. Index.

China exerts increasing influence on the global economy, and the country's fascinating and turbulent recent history demands our understanding. This clear and convincing overview tells the story of a century that saw three political revolutions and considerable social and cultural upheaval. The author moves fluently between social, political and cultural history and frequently brings gender into the picture, showing that events such as revolutions can have very different effects on men and women. His exploration of the transformations China has undergone integrates ideas from the very latest scholarship, reminding readers that history is not just about what happened, but also about differing interpretations and approaches. The book concludes with a discussion of recent reforms by the Chinese Communist Party in its aim to raise the living standards of the country's 1.3 billion inhabitants and strengthen the foundations of one-party rule.

"A thoroughly competent study ... the glossary of Chinese terms is especially useful..." Asian Studies Review "In Bailey's account of china's major political milestones in the twentieth century, the selection of facts and his generalisations are sound and convincing. The book's greatest strength lies in the strategy of presentation [and is] a refreshing departure from the omniscient viewpoint and mononarrative of many texts. The author has accomplished a great deal here... this book deserves very serious consideration for undergraduate and graduate courses." Craig Dietrich, University of Southern Maine, Portland, USA