The era between empire and communism is routinely portrayed as a catastrophic interlude in China's modern history. But in this book, Frank Dikotter 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.
- ISBN10 6613016799
- ISBN13 9786613016799
- Publish Date 1 June 2010 (first published 8 October 2008)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 25 January 2012
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Hong Kong University Press
- Format eBook
- Pages 140
- Language English