The Cambridge Illustrated History of China

To read a scholarly work on 5,000 years of China’s history can seem daunting but Prof Buckley makes the material approachable and understandable. This updated edition adds more information on China in the 21st Century and breaks the Qin Dynasty chapter in two. This is a great tool for readers wanting a comprehensive introductory lesson on China’s history from a respected scholar.

See my review of her equally smashing book of Northern Song Emperor Huizong in her "Accumulating Culture".

I was wanting to gain an understanding the common historical culture of East Asian countries and this book does that. A great and readable work!