The Search for Modern China

This text, the classic introduction to modern China for students and general readers, emerged from Spence's highly successful introductory course at Yale, in which he traced the beginnings of modern China to internal developments beginning in the early 17th century. Strong on social and political history, as well as Chinese culture and its intersections with politics, this paperback is a longstanding leader in the survey course on modern China.

The new edition of this outstanding documents collection displays a stronger blend of social history—pieces reflecting everyday life, family, social networks, and culture—and political history—critical proclamations, treaties, laws, and other public acts. Many of the documents are translated into English for the first time and available only in this book. Informative headnotes accompany the selections, providing context and helping students with unfamiliar names, places, and events. This collection is the perfect source for a firsthand look at modern Chinese history.

The new edition of this outstanding documents collection displays a stronger blend of social history—pieces reflecting everyday life, family, social networks, and culture—and political history—critical proclamations, treaties, laws, and other public acts. Many of the documents are translated into English for the first time and available only in this book. Informative headnotes accompany the selections, providing context and helping students with unfamiliar names, places, and events. This collection is the perfect source for a firsthand look at modern Chinese history.

The Search for Modern China originated in a legendary course at Yale taught by the late Jonathan Spence and has been the best-selling text for students and teachers of modern Chinese history ever since. Janet Chen (Princeton University), a leading scholar and expert in social and cultural history, updates The Search for Modern China for a new generation. Incorporating insights from recent scholarship throughout, she has also streamlined the text to make it more student-friendly while maintaining the spellbinding narrative.

The Search for Modern China originated in a legendary course at Yale taught by the late Jonathan Spence and has been the best-selling text for students and teachers of modern Chinese history ever since. Janet Chen (Princeton University), a leading scholar and expert in social and cultural history, updates The Search for Modern China for a new generation. Incorporating insights from recent scholarship throughout, she has also streamlined the text to make it more student-friendly while maintaining the spellbinding narrative.