Adshead, China in World History

Abstract

China in World History is a seminal, theoretical work waiting to be absorbed into the developing body of approaches to world history. Not only is China revealed as a much more interactive participant than it is usually regarded but the entire Central Asian arena blooms as much more important than most historians note. Perhaps the current events in the Soviet Union with its Asian minorities receiving mention in the western press will create some greater interest in these fascinating and significant peoples.

The volume is an immense piece of scholarship for its size. If every name of empire and leader mentioned were to be explained a whole set of encyclopedias would be required. Combine the required knowledge and complex vocabulary in this work and it is not a text for the casual reader or student. Acquiring significant understanding from the work requires previous knowledge of much Eurasian history and a well-developed mental map of the world.