Books From University Presses

Now in its sixth edition, this book has been updated to examine the return of Hong Kong in 1997 and the upcoming return of Macao in 1999. Hsü discusses the end of the last vestiges of foreign imperialism in China, as well as China's emergence as a regional and global superpower. U.S.-China rivalry and the prospect of unification between China and Taiwan are also considered.

`Wars have often determined the character of society. Society in exchange has determined the character of wars. This is the theme of Michael Howard's stimulating book. It is written with all his usual skill and in its small compass is perhaps the most original book he has written. Though he surveys a thousand years of history, he does so without sinking in a slough of facts and draws a broad outline of developments which will delight the general reader.' A. J. P. Taylor, Observer

"Weimar Germany: Promise and Tragedy" offers more than just a history lesson; it’s a ticket back to the 1920s Berlin, where every corner buzzed with avant-garde art, revolutionary ideas, and a stirring hope for democracy. Eric Weitz doesn't merely narrate; he transports you to the cobblestones of a modernizing city, introducing you to the era's visionaries while soberly revealing the societal cracks that would lead to a darker chapter. If you're intrigued by history that reads like a well-paced novel, and the idea of exploring a pivotal time that echoed through the century, then this book will satisfy that craving while providing poignant context for today’s world.

This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts who wish to gain insights into one of the most significant events in modern European history. William Doyle carefully examines the causes, course, and consequences of the French Revolution in a concise and accessible manner. The book sheds light on the genesis of modern political ideologies like democracy, liberalism, and nationalism and their relationship with the revolution. It provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges that the revolutionaries faced and the compromises they had to make to effect change. Doyle's erudition and mastery of the subject make this book an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the French Revolution and its impact on the world.

In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, the 26-year-old Ernst Gombrich was invited by a publishing acquaintance to attempt a history of the world for younger readers. Amazingly, he completed the task in an intense six weeks, and Eine kurze Weltgeschichte für junge Leser was published in Vienna to immediate success, and is now available in seventeen languages across the world. Toward the end of his long life, Gombrich embarked upon a revision and, at last, an English translation. A Little History of the World presents his lively and involving history to English-language readers for the first time. Superbly designed and freshly illustrated, this is a book to be savored and collected. In forty concise chapters, Gombrich tells the story of man from the stone age to the atomic bomb. In between emerges a colorful picture of wars and conquests, grand works of art, and the spread and limitations of science. This is a text dominated not by dates and facts, but by the sweep of mankind's experience across the centuries, a guide to humanity's achievements and an acute witness to its frailties. The product of a generous and humane sensibility, this timeless account makes intelligible the full span of human history.

If fashion is your narrative, you'll find "100 Dresses" a sartorial treasure trove. It's like traveling through time via the art of couture, each page turning back the clock with a rustle of taffeta, a whisper of silk. For the dreamers who picture themselves in the sweep of a gown, this book isn't just a history lesson—it's an invitation to the grand ball of fashion's past, accessible from your own cozy corner.

In 1935, with a doctorate in art history and no prospect of a job, the 26-year-old Ernst Gombrich was invited by a publishing acquaintance to attempt a history of the world for younger readers. Amazingly, he completed the task in an intense six weeks, and Eine kurze Weltgeschichte für junge Leser was published in Vienna to immediate success, and is now available in seventeen languages across the world.Toward the end of his long life, Gombrich embarked upon a revision and, at last, an English translation. A Little History of the World presents his lively and involving history to English-language readers for the first time.Superbly designed and freshly illustrated, this is a book to be savored and collected. In forty concise chapters, Gombrich tells the story of man from the stone age to the atomic bomb. In between emerges a colorful picture of wars and conquests, grand works of art, and the spread and limitations of science. This is a text dominated not by dates and facts, but by the sweep of mankind's experience across the centuries, a guide to humanity's achievements and an acute witness to its frailties.The product of a generous and humane sensibility, this timeless account makes intelligible the full span of human history.

This is a straightforward narrative of the development of Japanese civilization from 1334 to 1615 by the author of Japan: A Short Cultural History . While complete in itself, it is also the second volume of a three-volume work which will be the first large-scale, comprehensive history of Japan. Taken as a whole, the projected history represents the culmination of the life work of perhaps the most distinguished historian now writing on Japan. Unlike the renowned Short Cultural History , it is concerned mainly with political and social phenomena and only incidentally touches on religion, literature, and the arts. The treatment is primarily descriptive and factual, but the author offers some pragmatic interpretations and suggests comparisons with the history of other peoples. A History of Japan: 1334-1615 describes the growth of a new feudal hierarchy, the ebb and flow of civil war, the rise and fall of great families, and the development amidst extreme political disorder of remarkable new features in institutional and economic life. This is the period of expanding relations with other parts of Asia and of the arrival of traders and missionaries from European countries―the first contact of Japan with the West. The volume ends with an account of the abortive invasion of Korea and the last outburst of the civil war that was terminated in 1615 by the victory of the first of the Tokugawa Shoguns, Ieyasu.

If you're intrigued by China's evolution from a rural society to a modern powerhouse, Helen Siu's "Tracing China" will give you an enlightening perspective. Her work uniquely integrates decades of fieldwork with anthropological analysis, offering a deep dive into how historical currents shape everyday lives. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in the nuances of socio-political change and the human stories within it.

The first comprehensive historical anthology of English-language writing from Singapore, this volume covers more than a century of literary production in a variety of genres. It provides readers in Singapore with an easy point of access to compelling narratives and poems, some of which have been forgotten or are difficult to obtain. For readers outside Singapore, it introduces a neglected but important range of works that represent the historical and contemporary imaginaries and realities of one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. Uniquely in Southeast Asia, the importance of the English language continued to grow in Singapore after independence. The country's English-language literature documents and reflects on the possibilities and tensions brought about by Singapore's rapid economic transformation and changing society. Because of Singapore's small size and the lack of international reach of many of its publishers, most of this literature has received relatively little international exposure, in contrast to writing in English from the Caribbean, West Africa, or South Asia. Within Singapore itself, a number of major works have gone out of print. This pioneering anthology places key texts in a historical narrative allowing them to be read, studied, critiqued, and treasured. «This historical anthology will prove to be an important, authoritative and dependable resource for researchers, students and teachers of Singaporean literature as well as Southeast Asian literatures for many years to come...» - Eddie Tay, Chinese University of Hong Kong

More populous than any other country on earth, China also occupies a unique place in our modern world for the continuity of its history and culture. In this sumptuously illustrated single-volume history, noted historian Patricia Ebrey traces the origins of Chinese culture from prehistoric times to the present. She follows its development from the rise of Confucianism, Buddhism, and the great imperial dynasties to the Mongol, Manchu, and Western intrusions and the modern communist state. Her scope is phenomenal--embracing Chinese arts, culture, economics, society and its treatment of women, foreign policy, emigration, and politics, including the key uprisings of 1919 and 1989 in Tiananmen Square. Both a comprehensive introduction to an extraordinary civilization, and an expert exploration of the continuities and disjunctures of Chinese history, Professor Ebrey's book has become an indispensable guide to China past and present. Patricia Ebrey is Professor of East Asian Studies and History and the author of Chinese Civilization: A Sourcebook (1993).

Recommendations: - If you have always been fascinated by the ancient Byzantine Empire and want to delve deep into its history, culture, and influence, then The Oxford History of Byzantium is a must-read for you. It offers a comprehensive exploration of this vibrant and influential civilization, covering everything from its Roman beginnings to its assimilation into the Turkish Empire. The lively essays and beautiful illustrations bring to life the emergence and development of Byzantium, while also uncovering the hidden mechanisms that shaped its history. Get ready to immerse yourself in a captivating journey through centuries of intriguing stories, battles, and cultural exchange. - Are you a history buff who loves exploring lesser-known civilizations? Look no further than The Oxford History of Byzantium. This remarkable book offers a concise yet comprehensive coverage of one of history's most influential empires. From the Roman beginnings to the fall of Constantinople, you'll uncover the political history, cultural evolution, and everyday life in Byzantium. The authors, experts in their fields, skillfully bring together economic, social, and demographic insights to provide a fascinating glimpse into this often overlooked civilization. Prepare to be captivated by the hidden stories, powerful rulers, and the fusion of ancient and modern worlds. - For those seeking to understand the fascinating Eastern Roman Empire, The Oxford History of Byzantium is the book to read. This captivating exploration takes you on a journey through the streets of Byzantine cities, revealing the intricate machinery of government, the role of the church, and the interplay of different cultures. The authors combine their expertise to deliver a vivid portrait of everyday life, from trade and education to beliefs and superstitions. Through its engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, this book offers a vibrant legacy of Byzantium's influence on both Eastern and Western civilizations. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world that shaped our modern understanding of history.