The Cambridge Illustrated History of China

Cambridge Illustrated Histories

by Patricia Buckley Ebrey

More populous than any other country on earth, China also occupies a unique place in our modern world for the continuity of its history and culture. In this sumptuously illustrated single-volume history, now in its second edition, noted historian Patricia Buckley Ebrey traces the origins of Chinese culture from prehistoric times to the present. She follows its development from the rise of Confucianism, Buddhism, and the great imperial dynasties to the Mongol, Manchu, and Western intrusions and the modern communist state. Her scope is phenomenal – embracing Chinese arts, culture, economics, society and its treatment of women, foreign policy, emigration, and politics, including the key uprisings of 1919 and 1989 in Tiananmen Square. Both a comprehensive introduction to an extraordinary civilization and an expert exploration of the continuities and disjunctures of Chinese history, Professor Ebrey’s book has become an indispensable guide to China past and present. This second edition includes a new chapter on China’s recent opening to the world and a fully revised guide to further reading.

Genres: History, China, Nonfiction, Reference, Asia, Historical, Asian Literature

384 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 1996

About the author

Patricia Buckley Ebrey is an American historian specializing in cultural and gender issues during the Chinese Song Dynasty. Ebrey obtained her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Chicago in 1968 and her Masters and PhD from Columbia University in 1970 and 1975, respectively. Upon receiving her PhD, Ebrey was hired as visiting assistant professor at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She became an associate professor in 1982 and a full professor three years later. She is now a professor at the University of Washington.

Ebrey has received a number of awards for her work, including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, and the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation. Ebery's The Inner Quarters: Marriage and the Lives of Chinese Women in the Sung Period received the 1995 Levenson Prize from the Association for Asian Studies. Her 2008 work, Accumulating Culture: The Collections of Emperor Huizong, received the Smithsonian Institution's 2010 Shimada Prize for Outstanding Work of East Asian Art History.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Brian Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ebrey is always sensitive to the implications of events for ordinary people and for women. She constructs her history like a vast collage of voices, and strives to include every sort of person in the tale. Her narrative features numerous sidebars offering fascinating sub-plots, on topics like Tang-era love stories, house construction, The "Biographies of Heroic Women" by Liu Xiang (79-8 BC), codes of crime and punishment, legendary demons, village fairs, popular dramas such as "Injustice to Dou E.," modern painting, or the life of feminist writer Ding Ling (1904-85). Almost every page is quietly entertaining.

[Jim Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a sinophile for years now and it was high time I read up on some Chinese history. It's a very readable presentation and you can get the older edition for just a few bucks. And why not? The history hasn't changed, right?

I wish it had more maps throughout the chapters as well as some timelines. There is only one awkward timeline at the end written in bullet points. I would've liked a general timeline for each dynasty and all the dynasties together. I solved this problem a little by printing out a map and the timeline used on the wikipedia article on Chinese dynasties and used these two pieces of paper as bookmarks.

Good breakfast reading.

[Bertrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I buy too many books, and they tend to pile up, unread though grouped according to my disparate interests, in the corners of my room. China was one of them - intimidatingly foreign because of the language, the size of its territory, the length of its history and the breadth of the historiography... but it's often there, standing just beyond reach at the edge of many subjects that grab my attention: the axial age and universalism, religion in post-socialist countries, traditions and empires, modernist literature and painterly abstraction... the list goes on. I recently came across a comparison between the technological histories of the Han and Roman empires (in Mokyr's The Lever of Riches) and I was so compelled by the glimpse it gave me of Ancient China, that I decided to finally read my 'China' pile, or at least some of it!
I am very glad Buckley Ebrey's book was on top of that pile, because, as text-books go, it is a very good, very approachable and rather captivating one. It strikes the right balance, as far as I am concerned, between the epic (which it would be criminal to spurn when writing of a 2500 years old empire), the exotic (which, to this ignorant reader, was a large part of its appeal) and the analytic. At 333 pages of actual text, lavishly colour-illustrated, the author offers a broad overview of Chinese political history, with occasional, concise but crystal-clear forays into literature and philosophy.
If anything I wish she had covered other 'cultural' subjects such as music, calligraphy or painting, and maybe given more space to controversies among historians, but on the whole this is pretty much what I expect from an introduction.
I'd never read any of those 'Cambridge Illustrated Histories' but I am sold: I ordered myself the one on Ancient Greece and the first one on the Middle Ages.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ebrey's book gives an excellent overview of Chinese history, something many books struggle with, and manages to not only do this but also alongside, give insight into culture, arts, politics and key people at various times. This book was one of two prescribed for my undergraduate Chinese history course and it served its purpose well. It would also be beneficial to an interested lay-person, who wants an overview of Chinese history before finding a more detailed and specialised book.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

In short: this is the perfect basis to built upon further knowledge about China. A coherent book, well balanced chapters and sub chapters and an interesting mix of topics.

So why did I only give it three stars? Well because it's bland in its well written and well build up way. Imagine it like this: you go eat at a restaurant and order a steak medium cooked with a beer and some salad and fries to go with it. It's not that cheap nor expensive and you get exactly what you paid for. When you someone asks you how it was, you answer: good and nothing more. There was nothing wrong but nothing really got you excited either, so what is there to talk about or to remember? The same goes for this book, it delivered exactly what was promised well done but not in anyway special. I only had a few "aha" moments or only one "really?" feeling (call this the homemade mayonnaise that was a pleasant surprise) when reading this nor was there anything I felt like I wanted to discuss with the author. It reads like a standard textbook and one that actively tries to avoid conflict and perhaps that was what I did not like, the lack of provocation.


Having said that I must underline that this is a really good book on the history of China.Every chapter (built around a mayor dynasty or period of non dynasty) includes the following parts: political/military, scholars(position and philosophies), institutional based approach to economics, the common people, the arts (including, poetry, literature, paintings, singing and acting) and finally a concluding section reflecting and synthesizing everything in the chapter and setting the stage for the next chapter. It tries to balance things out but the scholars and philosophies to me stuck out the most, on the opposite the material history of Chinese societies was a bit underdeveloped. What pleased me enormously was the dialogue between the different groups of historians. The author was clearly convinced that her background as a western modern trained historian living in the current age has had an enourmous role in shaping her analysis. She not only points this out but places her position next to opinions on the same chapter by Chinese historians both modern and pre modern( for china has had historians for over thousands of years of which a sizable collection has survived) and points out the difference without making a claim as to which is superior.

Finally it is important to notice the time this was published (1996) the events of tiananmen were fresh in mind and the economic powerhouse that is China was not as recognized or feared as it is today yet still already it was clear that China would not fade away as the USSR had after the cold war. This book was written with this in mind and this only adds to the arguments that this is a perfect start for anyone who is interested in China from any discipline for it lacks the "china will dominate us all" attitude so prevalent in most books and articles on China today.

So a good book, pleasant to read and quite informative even if a bit too cautious and textbook like at times.

[Mike Bull · Rating 4 out of 5]

This history of China, with illustrations, is a wonderful look at the nation's history from pre-dynasty times to the present. It was fascinating to piece together Chinese dynasties against the time frame of history in the west and see the ebb and flow of this populous region of the world and how it came to be.

History is always picking and choosing what to concentrate on. I found this one a good read because it dwelt on women in Chinese history and not just men, and also because it highlighted many Chinese technologies, art, ideas and books ancient and modern which I'm excited to follow through and find out more--especially with some of the classic novels mentioned.

The book might sound daunting but at around 350 pages it quite succinctly covers the different eras and is full of fantastic pictures of items and places from antiquity up to the present day.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did a lot of researching before deciding which general history of China to read. China's age, population, and size make it something that every literate human on Earth should know something about. Despite that (and yet unsurprisingly), United States education and media treat China as some sort of sideline place that hardly existed before colonialism, communism, and capitalism. I refused to accept that idea.

Patricia Buckley's book is completely accessible to the interested American reader. There are a good number of illustrations, clear maps, and brief tables. The straightforward chronology spends a reasonable amount of time on each period, not just treating China's history as Before Mao and After Mao like I've seen other books do. It's the best introduction to the World's largest (and possibly most influential) nation that I've seen.

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done cultural, social, and political history of China up until a short period after Mao's death. I've enjoyed quite a few of the Cambridge Illustrated books in the series, and I appreciate the many, many illustrations : paintings, drawings, photographs, and even excerpts of illustrated literature and poetry. Would be a great choice for the general reader wanting a one volume history of China.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive Chinese history covering the past 5,000 years of a continuous civilization. Includes political, sociological, religious, cultural, economic history. Wonderful illustrations and side bars throughout. There is a new edition but I got the 1996 edition for $2.99 on Amazon. I read this in connection with the ten part HarvardX MOOC called ChinaX but it certainly stands alone as a brilliant history. Highly recommended.

[Roel Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a an excellent overview of China's long history. The world would do well to study how China evolved. It is striking to note the continuity in the country's trajectory. Whether it was a ruling dynasty or the communist party, respect for human rights has never been the regime's forte. In an international order largely designed by the West in the aftermath of WWII, revanchist powers like China (and Russia) need to be accommodated or contained, depending on one's view. China is likely to prize internal stability above all else (hence the suppression of pro democracy protests and repressive measures taken against the Uighurs). Externally, there are signs the Belt and Road initiative is just another way to create a tributary system with China at the centre, as it used to be in the past. In order to understand the psychology of the Chinese rulers and people we need to study history. Too much depends on the peaceful rise of the country for Western policy makers to be complacent.

[Skallagrimsen]

The Cambridge Illustrated History of China is a solid introduction to one of the world's oldest, most consequential, and most fascinating civilizations, as well as perhaps its longest continually enduring one. I've yet to read it quite straight through, but have found valuable context in it for every phase of China's history that I have yet studied. Contemporary geopolitics being what they are, I believe it behooves us all to cultivate greater understanding and appreciation of this great nation and its people--at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, the fate of the world might well depend on it.

This book is a good place for the English reader to begin. My one complaint is that it overemphasizes the recent past, at the expense of China's deep, rich history, and hence might be called unduly "Eurocentric." This is such a common failing, however, that it almost seems not worth mentioning.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aprox. 1/5 humans on this planet are Chinese. That reason alone is a good one for reading this book.

However, the rise of China as a global power in the 21st century puts an impetus on the well-informed to learn more
about this nations history and culture.

In that sense, this book, very professionally published, with excellent and entertaining text and fabulous pictures,
is a great place to start.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview, which is the most that can be expected from a survey. Yes, it's a bit shallow at times, but it's an excellent introduction with very little filler. Whatever your interest in China -- history, politics, religion or art -- this book will serve as a launchpad for the reader starting at zero. I used it in conjunction with the ChinaX MOOC at edx.org and it was a fine companion to have along the way.

[Ling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of Chinese history from very ancient roots around 3000BC to modernity. Explores fascinating cultural constants such as Confucianism and logographic writing that have uniquely shaped China for thousands of years.

[Greg Strandberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a good job detailing some of the very early events of China's history. You're going to get things like creation myths, the Great Flood myth, and the very early cultures. The pictures in the book really help.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a textbook to make me want to keep it after I'm done, it deserves all the stars.

Sure, it's not without some biases, but it is honestly an interesting and insightful read that deepened my understanding of the subject.

[Missy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for someone who wants an overview of Chinese history.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for someone who wants an overview of Chinese history, which is so vast. Would be nice, if someone could "update" this book in the near future. So many things are happening...

[Sandro EC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy completa y objetiva visión de la historia de China.

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Binge Reviewing My Previous Reads #History of the Far East

The Cambridge Illustrated History of China is one of those rare tomes that manages to balance sweeping historical synthesis with the visual and narrative richness that keeps a reader engaged across nearly a millennium and a half of dynastic rise, fall, and transformation. Edited with meticulous care and written by a cadre of experts, the book offers both the macro and micro perspectives, moving seamlessly from the grand arcs of imperial politics and economic systems to the minutiae of daily life, art, religion, and culture. Its ambition is vast, yet it retains a readability that makes complex events, philosophies, and societal structures intelligible to both scholars and general readers.

The book opens with the formation of early Chinese civilization, tracing the Neolithic settlements along the Yellow River, and quickly moves into the dynastic cycles that would define the contours of political authority for centuries. What is particularly striking is how the authors contextualize the political with the cultural: for instance, the Qin Dynasty’s legalist centralization is not only a political maneuver but also a reflection of broader societal attitudes toward order, hierarchy, and control. Similarly, the Han Dynasty’s expansion and consolidation are illustrated alongside developments in Confucian thought, trade, and material culture, demonstrating the interconnectedness of ideology, governance, and daily life.

Illustrations and maps are integral to the text, providing not just decorative relief but essential tools for comprehension. Imperial edicts, architectural layouts, and archaeological photographs anchor abstract historical narratives in tangible artifacts. The visual dimension is particularly effective when discussing complex topics such as the Grand Canal’s construction, the Silk Road networks, or the urban layouts of Tang and Song capitals, helping readers visualize spatial and logistical realities of premodern China.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its treatment of continuity and change. The editors avoid the trap of presenting China as static; instead, they demonstrate how ideas, institutions, and social norms evolved through negotiation, adaptation, and sometimes violent rupture. For example, Buddhism’s introduction and Sinicization, the recurring tension between central authority and regional autonomy, and the periodic technological innovations—from printing to metallurgy—are presented as both products and drivers of historical momentum. Similarly, periods of fragmentation, such as the Three Kingdoms or the Warring States, are treated not as interludes of chaos but as crucibles of cultural and philosophical innovation.

Economic and social history receives careful attention. The authors discuss land tenure, taxation, and agrarian practices alongside population growth, urbanization, and the rise of merchant classes. Gender relations, family structures, and social hierarchies are also illuminated, offering readers a comprehensive sense of daily life and social complexity across regions and eras. In this regard, the text bridges the gap between political history and cultural anthropology, making the history of China multidimensional.

In comparative terms, The Cambridge Illustrated History of China resonates with other Cambridge series histories in its meticulous scholarship and clarity, while distinguishing itself through the integration of images, charts, and timelines that enliven the narrative. Unlike purely narrative histories that focus solely on dynastic chronicles, this work embeds material culture, geography, and social structures into the story, creating a holistic portrayal of civilization.

Overall, the book succeeds both as a reference work and a readable narrative, providing an expansive yet nuanced perspective on China’s history. It is particularly valuable for readers seeking a synthesis that respects both scholarly rigor and narrative accessibility, offering insight into the forces that shaped one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations and laying a foundation for understanding contemporary China within its long historical arc.

[Kaleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book accomplished exactly what it sets out to do. It takes a ‘small’ view of Chinese history—discussing only events and ideas that take place within China, rather than telling a history of China as a powerful center of gravity in a wider region and of world history. I think there is a lot of values on the latter approach, and I would like to have learned more about China’s interactions with neighbors to the East and West, but I can’t fault a book for not doing something it intentionally sought to avoid.

If you need more depth of knowledge about the succession of dynasties and their most important political, social, and cultural characteristics, then this is an excellent choice.

In particular I appreciated the focus on women in Chinese history, and of the role cosmopolitanism played in different dynasties. I think Ebrey discounts her own work when suggesting that China only recently became an important agent in globalized politics, economics, and culture. If anything, this ‘small’ focus highlights the influence China has nearly always held over its region and the world.

In short, having finished this book, I am now on the hunt for a work of world history that takes China as its focus.

[Dominik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Niech nikogo nie myli tytuł i okładka: to nie jest książeczka dla dzieci. Za niepozorną fasadą kryje się jedna z najlepszych pozycji o historii Chin dostępnych w języku polskim. Nie jest to może wielkie osiągnięcie, bo takich książek nie ma na rynku wiele. Nie umniejsza to jednak w żadnym stopniu wartości Ilustrowanej historii Chin. Przejrzystość prowadzenia narracji, mnogość dodatkowych przypisów przybliżających różne aspekty kultury chińskiej (często zajmujących całą stronę), całościowe wyłożenie dziejów Państwa Środka (aż do lat 90-tych, a starożytność wcale nie po łebkach), wrażliwość na tematykę społeczną, obecność osobnych akapitów poświęconych historii chińskich kobiet... można tak długo. Dla mnie jedyny minus to taki, że czasami brakuje tu polotu, pasji, jakichś odautorskich smaczków. Ale jest poprawnie i przydatnie, tak jak być powinno.

[Gonzalo Fernández-Victorio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a nice introduction to the history of China. As such is reasonably complete, and being an illustrated, with lots of pictures, figures and sidebars.
For somebody with little exposure to China, sometimes I find it a bit overwhelming. Too many geographical names, and too many dynasties. But I totally understand this is personal problem.
The book also finishes around 2008/2009, with some topics missing, obviously. I also sometimes miss a more stern criticism of some episodes in the last centuries, to which I'm more exposed (and probably more biased).
But all in all is a nice a book.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and fairly balanced. Ebrey tries her utmost to be objective even when dealing with the Mao and the Cultural Revolution. However, in doing so, I think we do lose a bit of the terror of that period. I read the 1996 edition, so this book quite abruptly ends with the Tiananmen Square Massacre. I’m not sure how much further the third edition gets into the most modern history, but I do think this book is a fairly good place to start for absolute beginners.

[Dan Farmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a history textbook, but I managed to read it cover to cover so I'd say it is reasonably well written. Covers from ~300 BC to 2009 and it's quite interesting to see the yin-yang style cycles of order & chaos throughout China's long history.

[Janta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid overview of Chinese history. Given the enormity of the subject, this book glosses over a fair bit, but I think it is a good introduction to the history of China. The writing was engaging and pleasant to read.

[Åshild Livsdatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit heavy now and then but very informative. Used in my Chinese History classes.

[Adrian Halpert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a great starting point for anyone interested in learning about Chinese history. It provides a solid overview with good illustrations, maps and sources for further reading.
4/5 Stars

[elsa]

get me out of this stupid class i BEG

[Charles Yan · Rating 2 out of 5]

being pro-Falun Gong is insane