Modern China: A History (2nd Edition)

Rating:
Summary: basic textbook, informative but dry
Review: Moise's book glosses quickly over ancient China and focuses mainly on China in the 20th century. Although his facts are good this is a fairly dry read--something you might keep around for a quick reference but not something to read for fun. Although it is often used for a textbook in Chinese history classes, there are other far more readable histories available. If it is ancient China you want try Fairbanks, for better modern China history try Jonathan Spence.

Rating:
Summary: basic textbook, informative but dry
Review: Moise's book glosses quickly over ancient China and focuses mainly on China in the 20th century. Although his facts are good this is a fairly dry read--something you might keep around for a quick reference but not something to read for fun. Although it is often used for a textbook in Chinese history classes, there are other far more readable histories available. If it is ancient China you want try Fairbanks, for better modern China history try Jonathan Spence.