Reading List
Books I’m reading, have finished, or want to read.
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A comprehensive general history of China spanning from ancient legendary eras to the 1911 Revolution. Written in concise, accessible prose with an original and objective historical perspective, it organizes thousands of years of Chinese civilization into six major developmental phases. It delivers well-researched re-evaluations of conventionally judged figures and events including Emperor Qinshihuang, Wang Mang, Emperor Xiaowen, and Sino-Western exchanges during the Ming and Qing dynasties, ideal for beginners of Chinese general history. Its downside is its heavy focus on political history with limited coverage of economics and institutional systems.
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It mainly focuses on Deng Xiaoping and China’s transformation under his leadership. The portrayal of Deng Xiaoping in the book feels more ordinary and authentic than the image I had before. Also, the author sometimes takes subtle jabs at his predecessors when evaluating him.😂
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It depicts how the prosperous Northern Song Dynasty collapsed into the Jingkang Humiliation within just three years. The narrative is far from tedious and offers a thorough look into this chapter of history. Regrettably, the book centers heavily on the fall of Bianjing and the Northern Song’s demise, barely touching on the establishment of the Southern Song after the two emperors were captured and exiled northward.