From Ming to Ch'ing: Conquest, Region, and Continuity in Seventeenth-Century China

by Jonathan D. Spence, Jerry Dennerline, Hilary J. Beattie

The collapse of the Ming dynasty and the takeover of China by Manchu rulers in the 1640s were of crucial importance in the late history of China. But because traditional Chinese sources arbitrarily divide the century at the change of dynasty in 1644, it has been difficult to form a clear picture of the transition. The nine essays in this book will contribute significantly toward understanding the complexity of change and continuity over the span of time leading up to and resulting from the tumult of the mid-1600s.
“The fullest introduction in English to the Ming-Ch’ing transition.”―Tom Fisher, Pacific Affairs
“No other recent work compares with its scope, and no older work can stand up to the introduction of its new materials and perspectives.”― Library Journal
“[This book] makes a valuable contribution to Ming-Ch’ing studies and should be required reading for anyone interested in the two dynasties.”―James B. Parsons, American Historical Review

Genres: History, China

437 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Jonathan D. Spence is a historian specializing in Chinese history. His self-selected Chinese name is Shǐ Jǐngqiān (simplified Chinese: 史景迁; traditional Chinese: 史景遷), which roughly translates to "A historian who admires Sima Qian."

He has been Sterling Professor of History at Yale University since 1993. His most famous book is The Search for Modern China, which has become one of the standard texts on the last several hundred years of Chinese history.

Reviews

[Salem Marrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are 9 essays here by different academics, some of which are very interesting but others less-so. Don’t know if the book accomplishes what it set out to be and isn’t coherent as a single narrative. Chapters 1,2,3,5, and 8 were the highlights and brought what was to me a new light on this period of Chinese history.