The saga of a global superpower

Michael Wood has travelled the length and breadth of China producing a magisterial new book that combines a sweeping narrative of the country’s story with the stories of its people, the history of its landscape and commentary from his extensive travel journals.

Wood begins by discussing China’s prehistory—the early dynasties and the origins of the Chinese state. He also takes a new look at the Opium Wars and clashes with the West. Finally, he brings the story up to today by giving readers a current account of China post 1949.

In the final chapter, Wood considers the provocative question of when, if ever, China will rule the world. The Story of China is an indispensable book about the most powerful country amassing power on the world stage today.

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