Dardess’s achievement is that he has condensed the whole story into a neat book under 150 pages long. . . . Dardess’s focus on why the Ming dynasty endured, as opposed to why it failed, is both refreshing and necessary. . . . Ming China will inspire the student and challenge the specialist and is thus a very positive contribution.
Journal of Asian Studies
In this deft, elegant overview of the Ming Dynasty, Dardess (Univ. of Kansas), one of the most eminent living scholars of the period, effortlessly compresses over two and a half centuries of history into a mere 148 pages of text, including notes for further reading. Five chapters cover the Ming empire from its frontiers to its center, and from the apex of power down to the level of bandits and outlaws. Dardess argues that the dynasty was a powerful and enduring polity whose culture was shaped by the chronic steppe threat on its northern border and the efforts of the literati at the center of society to adapt to changing economic and political realities. . . . The single best introduction to the Ming Dynasty available. An excellent starting point for those interested in the period. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries.
CHOICE
An entirely original and fresh recounting of Ming history. The genius of the work is in its innovative organization, which economically structures the story into five lively chapters that build logically one upon the other to move vertically down the strata of Ming society while developing a chronological narrative within each chapter. This much-needed book will appeal both to general readers and to students of Chinese history and culture.
Edward L. Farmer, University of Minnesota