There is a dearth of good survey histories of modern China that achieve the twin goals of providing historical knowledge for understanding issues confronting contemporary Chinese society, and presenting current scholarly research. Hence, Dillon's book is an invaluable addition. The lucid narrative, informed by data and insights from recent scholarship, introduces in an accessible yet sophisticated way the issues that have emerged during China's transition from empire to modern nation-state in the past 160 years. Perhaps the most important issue that Dillon (visiting professor, Tsinghua Univ., China) addresses in his book, not often addressed in most survey histories, is the centrality of ethnicity in the making of the Chinese nation-state. Moreover, by foregrounding social forces in his narrative, Dillon succeeds in capturing the complexities of Chinese society and the transformations it has undergone, especially under the communist regime. The inclusion of reference materials, such as brief biographical portraits of historical figures and full text of key treaties, completes this book as the indispensable introduction to modern Chinese history. Summing Up: Essential.

CHOICE