This book breaks with convention and provides an overview of Chinese history in the form of special topics. These topics include the major issues of A Scientific Approach to the Origins of Chinese Civilization, Ancient Chinese Society and the Change of Dynasties, The Golden Ages of the Han, Tang and Qing Dynasties: a Comparative Analysis, Transportation Systems and Cultural Communication in Ancient China, Ethnic Relations in Chinese History, The Systems of Politics, Law and Selecting Officials in Ancient China, Agriculture, Handicraft and Commerce in Ancient China, The Military Thought and Military Systems of Ancient China, The Rich and Colorful Social Life in Ancient China, The Evolution of Ancient Chinese Thought, The Treasure House of Ancient Chinese Literature and Art, The Emergence and Progress of Ancient Chinese Historiography, Reflection on Ancient Chinese Science and Technology, New Issues in the Modern History of China, and A General Progressionto the Socialist Modernization of the People's Republic of China.

The book is based on current literature and research by university students. The modern history section is relatively concise, while the topics related to ancient Chinese history are longer, reflecting the country's rich history and corresponding wealth of materials. There is also an in-depth discussion on the socialist modernization of the People's Republic of China.

The book provides insights into Chinese history, allowing readers to see the value of civilization through history; to see the preciseness of history through civilization. It focuses on the social background, lifestyle and development processes to illustrate ideologies and ideas.

Generalizes the main contents of Chinese history in the form of 15 special topics Blends history with civilization, allowing the readers to get a comprehensive understanding of the other aspects of ancient life while looking into Chinese ancient learning, thinking and political systems Adopts the writing method of from society to thinking, helping the readers to grasp the changes of thinking and of development process

Autorentext

Qizhi Zhang is a professor and author born in 1927 in Nantong, Jiangsu Province. He is a well-known historian, an expert on intellectual history, and an educator. He has long been engaged in the teaching and study of Chinese intellectual history, Chinese philosophy, and cultural popularization education, in more than half a century's research and teaching; he has accumulated rich academic research and academic leadership experience and taken charge a number of important scientific research projects. Professor Zhang has completed the Chronicles of Chinese Academic Thought History (6 Volumes), A History of Chinese Intellectual and Academic Ideas (6 Volumes), A History of China (4 Volumes). Huilian Ren is an associate professor of English Language and Literature of Northwest University and translator born in 1971, in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. She has been engaged in international exchange and cooperation between institutions of higher learning for 20 years. She directed and participated in 14 provincial and ministerial-level research projects, published 29 papers, and compiled and translated 9 books. She has visited nearly 20 countries for study, further education, and cultural exchange activities, and has had a certain influence in management and research fields such as the internationalization of higher education and the promotion of Chinese culture. She directed the translation of the book An Introduction to Chinese History and Culture sponsored by Chinese Fund for the Humanities and Social Sciences. The book was published by Springer in 2015.

Inhalt
Chapter 1: A Scientific Approach to the Origins of Chinese Civilization.- Chapter 2: Ancient Chinese Society and the Change of Dynasties.- Chapter 3: The Golden Ages of the Han, Tang and Qing Dynasties: a Comparative Analysis.- Chapter 4: Transportation Systems and Cultural Communication in Ancient China.- Chapter 5: Ethnic Relations in Chinese History.- Chapter 6: The Systems of Politics, Law and Selecting Officials in Ancient China.- Chapter 7: Agriculture, Handicraft and Commerce in Ancient China.- Chapter 8: The Military Thought and Military Systems of Ancient China.- Chapter 9: The Rich and Colorful Social Life in Ancient China.- Chapter 10: The Evolution of Ancient Chinese Thought.- Chapter 11: The Treasure House of Ancient Chinese Literature and Art.- Chapter 12: The Emergence and Progress of Ancient Chinese Historiography.- Chapter 13: Reflection on Ancient Chinese Science and Technology.- Chapter 14: New Issues in the Modern History of China.- Chapter 15: A General Progressionto the Socialist Modernization of the People's Republic of China.