The Search for Modern China
'The Search for Modern China' by Jonathan D. Spence offers a sweeping narrative of China's tumultuous journey from imperial power to a modern state. Spence intricately weaves historical events, cultural shifts, and prominent figures into a compelling tapestry that illuminates the complexity of Chinese identity. Readers will uncover the influences of Western imperialism, the rise of revolutionary movements, and the profound social changes across centuries. With rich anecdotes and insightful analysis, Spence challenges preconceived notions and invites readers to explore the depths of China's challenges and triumphs. This book is not just a history lesson; it's a profound exploration of a civilization that continues to shape our world today.
By Jonathan D. Spence
Published: 2013
"The history of China is not a tale of simple transformations; it is a complex interplay of cultures, ideas, and conflicts that continue to shape its identity."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
"This rich gathering of primary-source documents puts students in direct contact with the major characters and events in modern Chinese history. Revised to reflect updates to The Search for Modern China, third edition, this outstanding collection displays a strong blend of social history (pieces dealing with everyday life, family, social networks, and culture) and political history (critical proclamations, treaties, laws, and other public acts). Many documents are translated into English for the first time and are available only in this book."--
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from The Search for Modern China
About the Author
Jonathan D. Spence
Jonathan D. Spence is a prominent historian and author, renowned for his extensive scholarship on Chinese history. His notable works include "The Search for Modern China," "Mao Zedong," and "The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci," which combine meticulous research with engaging narrative prose. Spence's writing is characterized by a blend of scholarly rigor and narrative flair, making complex historical subjects accessible to a broad audience. Through his insightful analyses and vivid storytelling, he has significantly shaped the understanding of China’s past and its global implications.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Jonathan D. Spence
- Published
- January 2013
- Publisher
- W. W. Norton
- ISBN
- 0393934519
- Language
- English
- Pages
- N/A
- Genres
- HistoryCultural History
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies (20th Anniversary Edition)
Jared Diamond
Guns, Germs, and Steel
Jared Diamond
A History of Economic Theory
Jürg Niehans
The Immortality Key
Brian C. Muraresku
1421: The Year China Discovered The World
Gavin Menzies
A History of God
Karen Armstrong
A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)
Ken Wilber
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Bill Bryson
1491
Charles C. Mann
Hardcore History
Dan Carlin
A Little History of the World
E. H. Gombrich
A People's History of the United States
Howard Zinn
History of the World
John Morris Roberts
Lost Kingdom
Julia Flynn Siler
A History of the World in 100 Objects
Neil MacGregor
A History of Civilizations
Fernand Braudel
MAN WHO WAS THURSDAY
G. K. Chesterton
Legal Systems Very Different from Ours
Peter Leeson, David Skarbek, David Friedman
Cultural Amnesia
Clive James
Wavell: the Viceroy's Journal
Archibald Percival Wavell Earl of Wavell
A Splendid Exchange
William J. Bernstein
Masters of the Word
William J. Bernstein
Money Changes Everything
William N. Goetzmann
A Short History of Financial Euphoria
John Kenneth Galbraith
Chernobyl 01
Andrew Leatherbarrow
A Truck Full of Money
Tracy Kidder
Sixteen Satires
Juvenal
Shakti Leadership
Raj Sisodia, Nilima Bhat
The Highly Sensitive Person
Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Mike Phillips's Book Recommendations
Mike Phillips is a distinguished British author and journalist, best known for his groundbreaking crime fiction series featuring black detective Sam Dean. Born in Guyana and raised in London, Phillips has significantly contributed to the portrayal of black British experiences in literature. His debut novel, "Blood Rights," received critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a formidable voice in crime writing. Beyond fiction, Phillips has also made substantial contributions to journalism and academia, notably co-authoring "Windrush: The Irresistible Rise of Multi-Racial Britain," which chronicles the experiences of Caribbean immigrants in the UK. His work has not only entertained but also provided profound social commentary, earning him a lasting place in contemporary British literature.
View Collection
Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations
Michael Pollan is a renowned American author and journalist, celebrated for his insightful explorations of food, agriculture, and human culture. His groundbreaking book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma," published in 2006, critically examines the complexities of the modern food industry and has become a seminal work in food studies. Pollan's engaging narrative style and thorough research have earned him a place on The New York Times Best Seller list multiple times. In addition to his literary contributions, he is also a professor of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. Pollan's work continues to influence public discourse on sustainable eating and the ethical implications of food choices.
View Collection
David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations
David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work
View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations
Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.
View Collection
Michael Burry's Book Recommendations
Michael Burry is an American investor, hedge fund manager, and physician who gained widespread recognition for his prescient prediction of the subprime mortgage crisis, which he detailed in his now-famous bet against the housing market. This bold move was chronicled in Michael Lewis's bestselling book "The Big Short," and later adapted into an Oscar-winning film of the same name. Burry founded the hedge fund Scion Capital, which he ran from 2000 to 2008, generating substantial profits for his investors. Beyond his investment acumen, Burry is known for his deep analytical approach and his contributions to financial literature through various articles and public commentary. His work continues to influence and inspire both financial professionals and enthusiasts.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations
Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.
View Collection
Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations
Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.
View Collection
Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations
Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.
View Collection
Brad Feld's Book Recommendations
Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.
View Collection
Aaron Rodgers's Book Recommendations
Aaron Rodgers is a renowned American football quarterback, widely recognized for his exceptional career with the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. Although his primary acclaim comes from sports, Rodgers has contributed to literature through insightful writings and interviews that offer a deep dive into the mindset of a professional athlete. His thoughtful perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth have resonated with readers beyond the sports community. Rodgers’ contributions have been featured in various sports and lifestyle publications, adding a unique voice to the literary world. His ability to articulate the nuances of his experiences has made him a respected figure in both athletic and literary circles.
View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View Collection
Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations
Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.
View Collection
Guillermo del Toro's Book Recommendations
Guillermo del Toro is a Mexican filmmaker, author, and producer known for his dark fantasy and horror films, including Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. Del Toro’s films often blend elements of fairy tales with gothic horror, exploring themes of humanity and monstrosity. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for The Shape of Water in 2018. Del Toro is also a passionate advocate for the preservation of film history and a mentor to emerging filmmakers. His unique visual style and storytelling have made him one of the most respected directors in modern cinema.
View Collection
Anthony Bourdain's Book Recommendations
Anthony Bourdain was an acclaimed chef, author, and television personality known for his deep exploration of global cuisine and culture. He gained widespread recognition with his 2000 bestseller "Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly," which offered an unvarnished look behind the scenes of the restaurant industry. Bourdain's literary talents extended to several other books, including "A Cook's Tour" and "Medium Raw," further cementing his status as a compelling storyteller. His groundbreaking TV shows such as "No Reservations" and "Parts Unknown" took viewers on culinary adventures around the world, earning him numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards. Bourdain's legacy endures as a pioneer who celebrated the richness of diverse cultures through food.
View Collection
Austen Allred's Book Recommendations
Austen Allred is an influential entrepreneur and author, best known for his contributions to the education technology sector. He co-founded Lambda School, a groundbreaking online coding bootcamp that offers deferred tuition and has revolutionized access to tech education. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Allred is the author of "The Grassfed Startup," which provides insights into building sustainable businesses. His innovative approach to education has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the tech industry. Allred continues to inspire with his commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.
View Collection
Guy Spier's Book Recommendations
Guy Spier is a renowned value investor and author, best known for his influential book "The Education of a Value Investor," which offers deep insights into the principles of value investing and personal development. An alumnus of Harvard Business School and Oxford University, Spier has carved a niche in the financial world with his disciplined investment philosophy. He is the managing partner of the Aquamarine Fund, an investment partnership inspired by the principles of Warren Buffett. Spier gained widespread recognition for his charitable winning bid to have lunch with Buffett, a move that significantly bolstered his reputation in the investment community. Through his writing and public speaking, Spier continues to inspire both novice and seasoned investors with his ethical approach to investing and life.
View Collection
Ben Horowitz's Book Recommendations
Ben Horowitz is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author, best known for co-founding the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He made significant contributions to the tech industry through his leadership roles at Netscape and as co-founder of the software company Opsware, which was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard. Horowitz is celebrated for his insightful business book, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," which provides candid advice on the challenges of entrepreneurship. His follow-up book, "What You Do Is Who You Are," explores the importance of company culture in business success. Horowitz's works are highly regarded for their practical wisdom and have influenced countless leaders in the tech and business communities.
View Collection
Linda Sarsour's Book Recommendations
Linda Sarsour is a Palestinian-American activist and author known for her influential work in social justice and civil rights. She co-authored the book "We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders: A Memoir of Love and Resistance," which details her experiences and activism. Sarsour is a co-founder of the Women's March, an event that drew millions of participants worldwide advocating for women's rights and social equality. Additionally, she has been recognized for her efforts in promoting Muslim-American involvement in civic and political spheres. Her impactful activism has earned her numerous accolades and a prominent voice in contemporary social movements.
View Collection
Michael Mauboussin's Book Recommendations
Michael Mauboussin is a renowned investment strategist and author, known for his influential work in the fields of finance and behavioral economics. He has authored several acclaimed books, including "More Than You Know: Finding Financial Wisdom in Unconventional Places" and "The Success Equation: Untangling Skill and Luck in Business, Sports, and Investing." Mauboussin serves as Head of Consilient Research at Counterpoint Global, a division of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. His insights into decision-making, market behavior, and investment strategies have made significant contributions to both academic literature and practical applications in finance. Additionally, Mauboussin is a frequent lecturer and has taught at esteemed institutions like Columbia Business School.
View Collection“The history of China is not a tale of simple transformations; it is a complex interplay of cultures, ideas, and conflicts that continue to shape its identity.”
The Search for Modern China
By Jonathan D. Spence
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.