The Open Empire: A History of China to 1800 Edition: Second

An innovative approach to early Chinese history, now updated and expanded up to 1800. The Open Empire takes an integrative, thematic approach to early Chinese history, using the concept of the "open empire" to highlight the dynamic, porous nature of China's past. Hansen builds her chronological narrative on a rich variety of archeological and literary sources to flesh out the details of daily life, family relations, and social hierarchies. In the Second Edition, the narrative has been updated with findings from recent scholarship and streamlined throughout to highlight the main themes. A new chapter on the Qing Empire, 1600–1800, carries the story of the "open empire" up to the birth of modern China.
 Innovative and integrative The Open Empire blends a core political narrative with a discussion of cultural and social history, offering a fresh approach to early Chinese history. Dynasties are examined through the lens of the broad social and cultural [...]changes that transcend them, and peopling the pages are nobles, peasants, women, students, writers, and rebels—each offering a distinct and colorful perspective.  Places early China in a global context The "open empire" approach highlights the many ways in which Chinese society has been influenced by other cultures, from the spread of Buddhism from India after the fall of the Han to the interactions between Tang-dynasty China and the Islamic world. Hansen shows China to have an open, dynamic history, not one that is isolated and unchanging.  New scholarship and refreshed images The Second Edition is updated and enhanced throughout with recent findings in archeology and literature, updated maps, and more than 100 illustrations—25% of which are new to this edition.