Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City

By Alison J. Dray-Novey, Lillian M. Li, Haili Kong, et al.

Book Overview

Few world cities have a record as long, as fascinating, or as well-documented as Beijing's. A capital almost continuously for more than a thousand years, the city has been Khubilai Khan's Mongol headquarters, home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the main stage for Communist-era achievements and upheavals. "Beijing" is the first book in English to trace this vibrant city's history from its earliest days to the present. It highlights recent changes in the city as its more than fifteen million people live through record-level economic growth and intensive preparations for the 2008 Olympics. Focusing on the lives of ordinary residents and rulers alike, the authors examine the controversial destruction of historic districts as well as the construction of new residential and business districts and Olympic venues. Extensive photographs and paintings, many not previously published, offer a window onto Beijing not only in major phases of its past, but also in its startlingly different present. Compelling and revealing, Beijing arrives just in time for the city's turn in the Olympic spotlight.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0230605273
• ISBN13: 9780230605275
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Absorbing!

Grand events and the life of ordinary--and not so ordinary--people come alive in this very well-written account of Beijing's history. It is not a "guide-book" in the usual understanding of that term: such-and-such can be found at. At the same time, it is a "guide-book" to gaining a feel and an appreciation for one particular city and for the people whose capital it is. In it, one himself/herself lives through the long history of Beijing. Marvelous presentation!

Must read before you visit

I found this book tremendously helpful before my first visit to Beijing. It gives perspecitve for all vsitors to the city and puts Beijing in the context of the history of China. Easy to read for the nonacademic, I found this essential to a full appreciation of this remarkable city.

Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City

You are in for a treat! To understand China one must understand Beijing. While written by academics it is highly accessible to the lay public - it is MUST READ for anyone who has ever visited Beijing or is contemplating a visit. The photos and color plates are fascinating. It will be of interest to anyone who wishes to understand the culture, food, customs and the multi layered history of Beijing and of China - it also provides a nuanced view of urban planning gone awry in one of the fastest changing cities on the planet.

A great reference book on Beijing for everyone

This is a great reference book for historians doing research or for anyone who wants to learn more about Beijing and Chinese history. The book leads you from Beijing's rise as an imperial capital city to its emergence as an Olympic City. Although Beijing's history is long and complicated, the authors have succeeded in the difficult task of putting so much information into a book yet keeping it succinct, interesting, and easy to follow. The fascinating stories of ordinary residents add a personal touch to the book, while the pictures revive many details of the past. I have been to Beijing many times. But after reading the book, I felt like wanting to go back right away to find out more about this capital city.