Documents the history of modern China and its evolution from a turbulent, troubled nation in the mid-nineteenth century to a powerful global economic, cultural, and political force in the twenty-first century.

"Published in Great Britain as The Penguin history of modern China in 2008 by the Penguin Group"--T.p. verso.

End of Empire -- Revolution and Republic -- Wars without end -- The rule of Mao -- The age of Deng -- Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao -- Who's who in modern China -- The late-Qing emperors -- China's growth, 1976-2000 -- China's population -- Communist Party leaders in the People's Republic -- Communist Party organization at the centre.