The Cambridge Illustrated History of China

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Great book for research or just exploring Chinese history! - Rated
I used this book for a school report and although I had about 7 other books, I mainly used this one. It discussed all of the main trends in Chinese History and well as having pictures and little "focus" pages, which specialized in topics cruical to each era.
I think it was a great book also after since it was easy to read and understand. It was by no means difficult to read, but at a perfect level for discussing topics. A very good book!

Splendid One Volume History of China - Rated
I have been very pleased with this book which I bought in order to have a one-volume general introduction to Chinese history. The work is coherent and readable throughout and contains reference to a wide range of those different subjects that provide such a rich texture to Chinese history: religion; philosophy; art; crime and punishment.

In terms of the usual pageants of princes and death, Ms Ebrey synthesises quite successfully major themes of history (or at least those in which I am most interested currently) without becoming bogged down in details. For example, the sections on southward expansion of the Empire during the Song Dynasty, its economic and industrial development and the relevance of this to nation building are all excellent summaries.

It would be easy - and probably unfair - to criticise a work such as this for what is omitted or for which subjects of particular interest to the reader might have been developed more. Readers who do wish for more information are provided with a section on further reading which should be sufficient to meet most needs.

Finally, the book is illustrated throughout and the numerous photographs, maps and reproductions are nicely chosen and add to the text.

I would certainly recommend this book.