China's economic development has become a matter of world-wide interest since the boom that began in the 1980s. 'Key Papers in Chinese Economic History since 1949' offers a selection of outstanding articles that trace the origins of the modern Chinese economy. Topics covered include agriculture and the rural economy; industrialisation and urbanisation; finance and capital; political economy and international connections.

China’s economic development has become a matter of world-wide interest since the boom that began in the 1980s. Key Papers in Chinese Economic History since 1949 offers a selection of outstanding articles that trace the origins of the modern Chinese economy. Topics covered include agriculture and the rural economy; industrialisation and urbanisation; finance and capital; political economy and international connections.

The development of China’s economy has been an enigma to Western historians. Was it centuries of stagnation followed by collapse or was it a process of steady development, reaching a high point by the eighteenth century? What is certain is that its economic growth never developed into a full industrial revolution and was overtaken by the West.

The development of China's economy has been an enigma to Western historians. Was it centuries of stagnation followed by collapse or was it a process of steady development, reaching a high point by the eighteenth century? What is certain is that its economic growth never developed into a full industrial revolution and was overtaken by the West.