A Short History of China

by Hilda Hookham

A Short History of China [May 01, 1972] Hookham, Hilda

Genres: History

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Monica Parkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great general history of China. However, I believe the final chapter was written by the Communist Party of China. The style of writing changed significantly.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent survey of Chinese history. Written in 1977, it pre-dates certain new information regarding ancient China and the early dynasties (Xia, Shang, Zhou), and (in retrospect) projects a rather overly-optimistic political trajectory for the PRC leading into the 21st c. That said, it does touch on several key themes and patterns occurring throughout the history of Zhong-guo civilization, most notable is the emphasis on the role of women, conspicuously ignored in many other contemporary histories;e.g., the early Yangshao culture were likely a matriarchy, a theory largely ignored by many early China experts who have fouled this history in the manner of the old Greek men who form the pillars of European history. Hookham consistently hits on the main points as well - the role of the rebellious peasantry, nature vs. man in Chinese myth, the Mandate (a kind of imperial hot-potato), and the influence of foreign powers.

[Nilesh Jasani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly a chronological recounting of key events. Extremely brief and without any common thread or reasons behind why those events are historic. At best an introduction to China's backstory but given how much the book tries to cover without context, it is unlikely to result in any recall value even for those reading the book for information.