Written with precision and flair by a host of leading academics from Beijing and Hong Kong, this single volume is a welcome addition to the study of world civilizations, a broad yet detailed chronological sweep through time. Every aspect of Chinese civilization is explained, interpreted, contextualized and brought to life with well-balanced commentary and photographic documentation. Published by City University of Hong Kong Press. 香港城市大學出版社出版。

This book is a magic wand that helps you understand Chinese history with ease, as well as a window providing a convenient view on China. It tells nearly 100 well-know stories from remote antiquity to the Revolution of 1911 in time sequence and takes key historical events and figures as the main line. We have strived to present the social changes, wars and battles, and culture and art in a series of accurate, vivid and concise stories. The book is a historical documentary with varied extraordinary splendor rather than a heavy, dull academic work.

China: The Stealth Empire asks why it is that China despite its size and once advanced culture and technology did not become a world power centuries ago? Burman traces the answer through Chinese innate sense of superiority which made foreign conquest and trade an irrelevance. This is about to change with the evolution of what is termed the Stealth Empire characterised by world dominance in the production of consumer goods, a growing share of world manufacturing and a strong sense of nationalism. The Chinese believe that they need to do nothing as they evolve by the middle of the century into the dominant world power. Burman's book opens a window onto this history and growing sense of national destiny. It will be essential reading for anyone wanting to understand what is going on in the Stealth Empire.