Description
Book SynopsisBefore China's capital became a sprawling megacity and international centre of business and culture, its fortunes fluctuated under a dozen dynasties. It has been a capital for several states, including those headed by Mongolian chiefs and the glorious Ming emperors, whose tombs can still be found on its outskirts. And before all that, it was a campsite for primitive hominids, known as the Peking Man. A Short History of Beijing tells the story of this remarkable city, from its more famous residents - Khubilai Khan, Mulan, and Marco Polo - right up to the twenty-first century, as modern construction wipes out so much of the old city to make way for its twenty-million-strong population. Through his timely and intimate portrait of the world's most populous capital city, Jonathan Clements reveals the history of China itself. This first paperback edition includes a new final chapter, taking the history of Beijing up to the 2022 Winter Olympics and beyond.
Trade Review'This book is like having a friendly, knowledgeable companion taking your arm as you wander through the back alleys and boulevards of one of the world's great cities...the perfect book for the visitor to Beijing.' - Rana Mitter, author of Modern China: A Very Short Introduction; 'Beijingers, both Chinese and foreign, mourn the Chinese capital's rapidly-disappearing traditional alleys but few of us appreciate Beijing as a city that has lasted through 2,500 years of building and destruction. ...[Jonathan Clements] comes well-stocked with tales that will be new even to long-time residents.'- Lucy Hornby, China Correspondent, Financial Times; '... a highly readable and informative book that gives us a wonderful glimpse of the history of a compelling city.' - Martin Jacques, author of When China Rules the World; 'It's hard to imagine anyone better equipped than Jonathan Clements to compile a readable account of Beijing ...an essential companion for the visitor and a treasure trove of vicarious delights for the chair-bound.' - John Keay, author of China: A History
