The Oxford Handbook of Early China is the most recent survey (2020 HC, 2025 paperback) for those needing a detailed focus on early Chinese civilisation.…
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Tag: Chinese History (Books)
The Return of Religion After Mao—Part 1
This book by Ian Johnson, published in 2017, Mao thought religions were full of superstition. This has given rise to the belief that religions had…
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The Golden Urn – Part 2
In this deeply researched book by Max Oidtmann, a German professor of Chinese history, we learn that the Golden Urn was used by the Qing…
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Tianjin Cosmopolis – Part 1
The Siege of Tianjin was part of a wider assault on foreigners in northern China, including the more famous Siege of the Legations in Peking…
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After Empire – Part 1
“The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide.” Thus begin the famous opening lines of The Three Kingdoms, by Luo Guan Zhong, summarizing…
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The Liao-Shen campaign of 1948—Part 1
Manchuria was where Chiang Kai-shek lost China to Mao. Thereafter, Mao swept south below the Yangtze to destroy the Nationalist armies south of the river.…
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China and Japan – Part 1
Emperor Hirohito’s surrender speech, delivered on August 15, 1945, over the radio, was in classical Japanese that was heavily influenced by classical Chinese, especially in…
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Buddhism in China – Part 2
During and post-Mao Under Mao, all religions, including Buddhism, were regarded as “feudal superstitions.” After Mao died, Deng Xiaoping allowed the restoration of religious sites…
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Buddhism in China – Part 1
Post-Western Encroachments Faced with the threat of the British and French taking territory by force, making China strong became a major concern of the Qing court…
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China under Mao – Part 2
Was Mao essential to the CCP’s victory over Chiang Kai-shek? The Long March was not a glorious trek to avoid encirclement by CKS as presented…
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