"Wealth and Power: China’s Long March to the Twenty-First Century" is a compelling narrative by distinguished authors Orville Schell and John Delury. This book provides an insightful look into China's modern era through the lives of eleven influential figures who shaped the nation from the late Qing dynasty to its current global prominence. Schell and Delury meticulously examine each leader’s ambition and contributions, offering readers a nuanced understanding of China’s complex journey towards economic and political transformation.
The authors seamlessly blend biographical sketches with historical context, exploring the pursuits of figures such as Empress Dowager Cixi and Deng Xiaoping, among others, who played pivotal roles in redefining China’s socio-political landscape. "Wealth and Power" is not just a historical account but a profound study into the essence of what restored China's former prosperity and pride, amidst a backdrop of revolution and change.
Ideal for historians, political analysts, or anyone fascinated by China's rise as a global power, this paperback edition elucidates how aspirations for reformation, strength, and global stature continue to influence the nation's policies and ideologies today. Schell and Delury's work is both enlightening and essential for understanding the forces driving China’s inexorable progress.