A History of Modernization in China (Volume 1) 1800-1949

Author: Xu Jilin, Chen Daka, Editors
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: The History of Modernization in China (Volume I, 1800—1949) has been in print for over a decade since its publication in 1995. From the 1980s to the early 1990s, Western theories of modernization, as a force of academic interpretation, were highly influential in Chinese academia. This book is a result of the exploration conducted by a group of intellectuals based on modernization theories during that specific period. It is the first book in China to systematically study the modern history of China from the perspective of modernization. With modernization as its direction and core, it reexamines and narrates the history from 1800 to 1949 from political, economic, social, cultural, intellectual, academic, military, and customs aspects, providing a comprehensive panorama and internal context of Chinese society during that era. The book has been praised by both professional scholars and general readers for its broad perspective, innovative structure, clear arguments, solid evidence, and measured writing style. History has turned the page of the 20th century and entered a new one. As an exploratory general work, this book has been recognized by scholars and intellectuals in the field of history during the era of academic transformation, while also standing the test of time to become an indispensable work for the study of modern Chinese history and related research. The 2006 reissue of the book is not only a review of past research but also a push for future exploration.