Making China Modern: From the Great Qing to Xi Jinping

The book covers Chinese history starting about 250 years ago, highlighting the Golden period of the Qing dynasty. And eventually covers all facets of upheavals and splendors China has seen until the present. However, the most interesting bit is the author's take on the past 50 years of rapid urbanization after Deng took over from Mao. The need for China to not repeat the past mistakes on course for national development is almost a guilt factor even imbibed in modern Chinese politicians as much as was the case 50-years ago. And this forms the bedrock of the fascinating story of Chinese boom years. Of course, there is a ton of research at work here and the author has managed to keep the book utterly factual, which also gives us a solid foundation to read different sources for further reference.Perhaps an overwhelming book in many ways, but is a piece of scholarship for anybody who wants to know the socio-economic and cultural aspects of China's rise.