A History of China is a groundbreaking synthesis that seeks to illuminate the rich and complex evolution of Chinese civilization while clearing away myths and misconceptions perpetuated by past historical narratives. Unlike works that focus solely on glorifying or condemning China's past, this book adopts a balanced approach, emphasizing the achievements and forces that shaped China's development. It offers a comprehensive view of China's history, focusing not just on dynastic successions or famous figures but on the interplay of social, cultural, and external influences that have defined its trajectory.

By incorporating archaeological findings, anthropological insights, and contemporary research from Chinese, Japanese, and Western scholars, the book reinterprets China's historical record. It highlights the dynamic interactions between China and its neighbors—Turks, Mongols, Tibetans, and others—emphasizing mutual influences rather than simplistic narratives of a "barbarian" periphery. Organized into three broad periods—Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and Modern Times—the book seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of China's historical processes. Aimed at general readers, it also offers references for further exploration, encouraging a deeper appreciation of China's profound and multifaceted legacy.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1969.