Mandarin replacing French as a compulsory subject for Year 7 students in many schools, this book provides a relevant insight into the complex background of one of the greatest emerging superpowers of the modern era.
In a thorough overview of the history of this vast country, Keay charts China’s growing influence from the time of Confucius to the modern day. A comprehensive collection of maps, illustrations and time-lines provide an insight into the diverse cultural background of China, making what is a very information-heavy book more accessible to the average reader. The factual and anecdotal are seamlessly woven, blending references to Chinese philosophy, economy, geography, art and warfare. Summarising a vast amount of information while maintaining narrative coherence is no easy feat, and Keay accomplishes it.