This Is China is almost certainly the shortest introduction to historic and contemporary China. In the revised and updated second edition, China expert Kerry Brown, director of the King’s College London, provides insightful answers to today’s questions about the world’s newest superpower and offers an engaging framework for understanding its meteoric rise.

Jonathan Spence, a professor at Yale University and author of many acclaimed books about Chinese history, writes:

It is hard to imagine that such a short book can cover such a vast span of time and space. This Is China: The First 5,000 Years will help teachers, students, and general readers alike, as they seek for a preliminary guide to the contexts and complexities of Chinese culture.

The book includes Chinese characters and pinyin for many words, making it useful in language teaching. It can be used in curriculum development and as an adjunct reader in social studies, international relations, international business, and political science courses.

This is a well-written and concise compilation of facts about China, helpful to all who are interested in this new relationship. –Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer, author of 45 books and America’s most famous and trusted sex therapist

A seamless and lucid essay on Chinese geography, prehistory, history, and culture. Teaches everywhere will welcome it as a classroom aid and a virtuoso contribution to the genre of short books on China –Gregor Benton, Cardiff University