Hutching's focus on events of the 20th century provides a clean
temporal boundary--a century marked by revolutionary movements and
institutions, change and evolutions, all dominated by
communism--the period in which China established itself as a major
actor on the world stage. The author intends to create "neither a
dictionary nor an encyclopedia," "to be authoritative rather than
academic; comprehensive rather than exhaustive; enjoyable as well
as enlightening." The result is a work that can serve as a
reference resource, tempered by a recognition of the author's
deliberate use of "point of view" essays...[T]he book has much
value. It is an ambitious and affordable resource.--K. W.
Berger"Choice" (04/01/2002)
This book offers an excellent summary of many important aspects of
China in the modern era. As the China correspondent for London's
"Daily Telegraph" for over a decade, educated at the School of
Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, Hutchings
has compiled a useful "dictionary" of prominent people, places,
policies, and political events that comprise the country's
landscape. The entries, preceded by an introduction discussing
general themes, are concise and complete, simplified but not
simplistic, and supplemented by helpful inserts...Highly
recommended.--Peggy Spitzer"Library Journal" (10/15/2001)
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