A Military History of China

by David A. Graff (Editor), Robin Higham (Editor)

Gaining an understanding of China's long and sometimes bloody history can help to shed light on China's ascent to global power. Many of China's imperial dynasties were established as the result of battle, from the chariot warfare of ancient times to the battles of the Guomindang (KMT) and Communist regimes of the twentieth century. China's ability to sustain complex warfare on a very large scale was not emulated in other parts of the world until the Industrial Age, despite the fact that the country is only now rising to economic dominance.

In A Military History of China , Updated Edition, David A. Graff and Robin Higham bring together leading scholars to offer a basic introduction to the military history of China from the first millennium B.C.E. to the present. Focusing on recurring patterns of conflict rather than traditional campaign narratives, this volume reaches farther back into China's military history than similar studies. It also offers insightful comparisons between Chinese and Western approaches to war. This edition brings the volume up to date, including discussions of the Chinese military's latest developments and the country's most recent foreign conflicts.

Genres: History, China, Military History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction

338 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2002

Reviews

[Jack]

Quick review. Wow. I should have read a book like this years ago. I need to read more of great material on China!

[Casey]

A great compilation of essays, providing a detailed perspective on Chinese military thought and background. The editors, David A. Graff and Robin Higham, compiled 16 essays along a generally chronological path of China’s military history. From the ancient beginnings through to the modern era, the various writers provide examples of the constants and variables of Chinese military actions. Though ancient and pre-modern history are included, over half the book presents focused topics of the last 200 years. Especially interesting was Ralph D. Sawyers’ summary of Chinese military writing, covering much more than Sun Tzu and the “Seven Military Classics.” Also useful was Richard Horowitz’ description of China’s attempts at 19th century military modernization, listing the many successes and providing structural reasons for failures. In truth, all the essays offer keen insights and useful paradigms. Unfortunately, as admitted by the editors, some key subjects, such as logistics and arms production, don’t have their own chapters. Nonetheless, this book is a very helpful single volume introduction to a very complex topic. Highly recommended reading for any military professional.

[Gianluca Fiore]

Closer to a general history of China with a military emphasis than a pure military one, the book lacks richer descriptions of battles, weapons, strategies, and tactics. Nonetheless it is an interesting, and easy to read, introduction of the military aspects of Imperial and Communist China.

[Conor]

Dense. Reads like a textbook. each chapter is by a different author and some are stronger than others.

[Brian]

Solid essays; one from my history prof. Dr. William Wei. Pretty interesting, for those who are interested.