The Age of Openness: China Before Mao

The era between empire and communism is routinely portrayed as a catastrophic interlude in China's modern history. But in this book, Frank Dik tter shows that the first half of the twentieth century was characterized by unprecedented openness. He argues that from 1900 to 1949, all levels of Chinese society were seeking engagement with the rest of the world and that pursuit of openness was particularly evident in four areas: governance, including advances in liberties and the rule of law; greater freedom of movement within the country and outside it; the spirited exchange of ideas in the humanities and sciences; and thriving and open markets and the resulting sustained growth in the economy.

Copub: Hong Kong University Press

Author: Frank Dikötter
Publisher: University of California Press
Published: 10/08/2008
Pages: 140
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.39lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.40w x 0.40d
ISBN13: 9780520258815
ISBN10: 0520258819
BISAC Categories:
- History | Asia | China

About the Author
Frank Dikötter is Professor of Chinese Modern History at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and Chair of Humanities at the University of Hong Kong. He has published a series of innovative books, including The Discourse of Race in Modern China and Narcotic Culture: a History of Drugs and China.