China - A Dark History: From Ancient Dynasties to the Communist Party

- Blurb -

From the slaves used to build the Great Wall to the Tiananmen Square protests, China - A Dark History takes an expert sweep across more than 2000 years of Chinese history.Today China is emerging to become the world's largest economy. This might seem a surprise if one only thinks of the 20th century, but not if one looks at the long history of this vast, cultured and well organised country. It is the world's most populous country, but has suffered immense disasters through earthquakes, floods and man- made famines. It may be one of the oldest civilizations, but has endured numerous invasions, from the Mongols in the 13th century to the Japanese in the 20th century. It has suffered punitive trade wars and treaties with the West. And in just over a century it has moved from a monarchy to a nationalist republic, and from communism to state capitalism.China is both one of the cradles of civilization and, at times, the place of mass executions. It has alternated between periods of unity and peace, and periods of war or failed statehood. Nor can it be said that its cultural achievements were developed only during times of peace. Many of China's notable contributions to literature, philosophy and culture were born during some of its most unsettled periods.Packed with 180 colour and black-&-white artworks and photographs, China - A Dark History is a fascinating journey from the ancient world to the modern, imperial dynasties to the Gang of Four, from trade wars to world war to civil war, from earthquakes to floods, and from famine to the Great Firewall.