Contemporary China

After reviewing 20th-century history and the country and people of China, focuses on the current politics, the economy, society, culture, and China's changing place in the world. Argues that the country's rising fortunes does not warrant an alarmist response; that structural defects beset the economy despite its apparent success in gross figures; and that problems such as corruption, social unrest, and environmental pollution will grow with the economy. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)