The Penguin History of Modern China

In 1850 China was the sick man of Asia. Now it is set to become the most powerful nation on earth. The Penguin History of Modern China shows how turbulent that journey has been. For 150 years China has endured as a victim of brutality on an unmatched scale of oppression war and famine. This makes its current position as the newest and arguably most important global superpower all the more extraordinary. Jonathan Fenbys clear authoritative and brilliantly written account of Chinas recent past now updated to take in the ascendency of Xi Jinping and Chinas global ambitions is the definitive guide to this remarkable transformation. Review His book is a miracle of thoroughness truthfulness and readability - the perfect primer for a time when China is about to enter all our livesSunday TelegraphJonathan Fenbys ... illuminating book [is] the first major history that looks at the country with the eyes of the 21st century rather than the 20th -- Rana MitterFT[It] reads like a novel and is never less than thoughtful and compassionate for the fate of a much-abused people ... [Fenby has] a journalists eye for telling detailHeraldTaut anecdote-studded ... a great introduction for a general audience with vivid scene setting and character sketches -- Michel SheridanSunday TimesFor an accessible authoritative fair and comprehensive and well written account this would be hard to betterBBC HistoryA wonderful history of modern China and a cracking good read -- Chris Patten About the Author Jonathan Fenby has edited the Observer the South China Morning Post and Reuters World Service as well as holding senior positions at the Economist Independent and Guardian. His books include Generalissimo: Chiang Kai-Shek and the China He Lost Dealing with the Dragon: A Year in the New Hong Kong The General: Charles de Gaulle and the France He Saved The History of Modern France andTiger Head Snake Tails: China Today How It Got There and Where It is Heading. He is currently Managing Partner and China Director of the analytical service Trusted Sources. He was a made a Commander of the British Empire in 2000 for services to journalism and is a knight of both the Legion dhonneur and the French Order of Merit.