An important and original book on a permanently important topic by one of the world's leading historians of China. The writing is lucid, often elegant, and has been beautifully translated into English." —William C. Kirby, director of the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, Harvard University "Nothing quite like this exists in the modern literature, and it is especially valuable ... Read morefor readers interested in world/global history." —James L. Watson, Harvard University "Hsu's book is unique in the field, and makes a distinct contribution above the many other grand narratives of Chinese history. Impeccably researched and consistently insightful, this is precisely the sort of book that every serious scholar of China should keep within arm's reach." —Thomas David DuBois, China Journal Show Less