China: A Short Cultural History is a comprehensive yet accessible survey of three millennia of Chinese civilization. The book balances literary and archaeological evidence to provide an insightful account of China’s social, political, and artistic development.
First published in 1935, this work was written to correct the misconception that Chinese history was a monotonous record of stagnation ending in collapse. C. P. FitzGerald aimed to provide a balanced narrative that places the 19th-century decline in its proper, proportional context within the broader span of Chinese history. The book is noted for its ability to condense vast amounts of historical material into a cohesive narrative for the layman.
本書於 1935 年首次出版，旨在糾正當時普遍認為中國歷史是一段「停滯並最終崩潰」的單調紀錄之謬誤。C. P. FitzGerald 試圖提供一種平衡的敘事方式，將 19 世紀的衰落置於中國歷史更宏大的時空尺度中進行合宜的評價。本書以能將浩瀚的歷史資料濃縮為適合大眾閱讀的連貫敘事而著稱。
【書本狀態 / Condition Report】
This is the 1961 Third Edition published by Cresset Press. The copy includes numerous plates illustrating Chinese art, architecture, and sculpture, such as Lung Men Buddhist carvings and the Altar of Heaven. The cover shows some age-related toning, which is consistent with the book’s vintage.
