Chinese Social History

Author: Xie Hena
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: This book is a renowned work by the great French sinologist, Professor Xie Hena, and was awarded the Saint-Dulce Prize in 1972 (France's highest academic award). It is one of the most widely used textbooks on Chinese civilization in universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. The book consists of 11 chapters, covering history from ancient times to the death of Chairman Mao. It offers a broad perspective, handles major issues with ease, maintains impartiality in its arguments, and provides a fair account of the historical development of Chinese society. The book is undoubtedly intended for use as a university textbook, but it is also primarily aimed at helping the French understand the profound depth, richness, and diversity of Chinese civilization in all its fields. At the same time, it seeks to counter certain erroneous beliefs. Some people, in a naive and absurd manner, believe that China is isolated and that the Chinese are inherently lazy. It is a pity that much work still needs to be done to eliminate these misconceptions. The purpose of this book is to demonstrate that over thousands of years of continuous development, at every stage of its history, Chinese society, politics, institutions, law, technology, economy, and cultural life have all influenced one another. China, with its vast territory and climatic diversity, has formed its own world. It has always been open to the outside world while also being continuously influenced by distant and nearby countries: the Western Regions, India, Iran, the Islamic world, Mediterranean countries, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and European nations. At the same time, it has also exerted a widespread influence on other parts of the world, either directly or indirectly. Without China, the world would not be what it is today today. Ultimately, humanity has always been interconnected throughout its development. This comprehensive historical work is a renowned masterpiece by the great French sinologist, Professor Xie Hena, awarded the Saint-Dulce Prize in 1972 (France's highest academic award) and is one of the most widely used textbooks on Chinese civilization in universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. It has long been translated into almost all major languages except Chinese. The book consists of 11 chapters, covering history from ancient times to the death of Chairman Mao. It offers a broad perspective, handles major issues with ease, maintains impartiality in its arguments, and flows seamlessly, fully showcasing the brilliance of a great historian.