Recommended reading
Jun 17, 2015 | 10:51 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
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Recommended reading
Does anyone have any books they would recommend for a first time traveler to China? I have the Lonely planet china guide (for travel info) and I wanted to learn more about chinese history, so I can appreciate what I see more. I just bought Wild Swans by Jung Chang to get a perspective of the more recent history. Was considering Kissenger's book On China as well. Obviously the history of China is soo vast I can't hope to learn a ton of detail about each era, but was hoping for something that would provide a basic overview.
Jun 18, 2015 | 12:41 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Posts: 274
Hi,
If you're looking for books on history, Jonathan Fenby's The Penguin History of Modern China is a good starting point in my opinion (it covers about 1850-2000). The Great Chinese Revolution from John King Fairbank is another good option, though it has more of an emphasis on thought history.
Besides that, it depends on what specifics you might be looking for
I found Kissinger's book rather interesting, as well as some biographies - but they might be more interesting after reading one of the more "general" historic books.
If you're looking for books on history, Jonathan Fenby's The Penguin History of Modern China is a good starting point in my opinion (it covers about 1850-2000). The Great Chinese Revolution from John King Fairbank is another good option, though it has more of an emphasis on thought history.
Besides that, it depends on what specifics you might be looking for
I found Kissinger's book rather interesting, as well as some biographies - but they might be more interesting after reading one of the more "general" historic books.
Jun 18, 2015 | 8:53 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2009
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Posts: 2,516
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china...st-thread.html
It's possible you saw this older thread and just want updated opinions, but if not....
I'm supposed to have my 4th trip to China sometime in the fall (meeting dates haven't been set yet
) so I'm hoping for some new recs too!
It's possible you saw this older thread and just want updated opinions, but if not....
I'm supposed to have my 4th trip to China sometime in the fall (meeting dates haven't been set yet
) so I'm hoping for some new recs too!