I am often asked what are the best Chinese history books. Most people want to know which Chinese history books are recommended to learn about the dynasties, weapons, culture, and the Chinese people. As a result, I’ve put together a list of the best Chinese history books.
All of the books are in English.
I will add to this list as I come across more Chinese history books that I would recommend.
Best Chinese History Books
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Ancient China Simplified – Written in the early 1900s, this book covers the history of China – from its very beginnings to provinces, literature, the Chinese calendar, rulers, and more. |
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This Is China: The First 5,000 Years – This book is great for teachers, students, and anyone interested in a basic overview of Chinese history. If you’re planning a trip to China and want to read a good summary on China’s background and culture, this would be a great book to read. |
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Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Asia and Oceania – This book covers the entire Asia-Pacific region, including China. It focuses on the people from ancient to modern times, covering history, culture, religion, customs, and more. |
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China: A History by John Keay – Provides an interesting narrative covering China’s past and future. |
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China: A History by Harold M. Tanner – Chinese history is covered from the Neolithic Era through the Qing Empire (1799 CE). It thoroughly covers politics, culture and society during this time period. |
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Asia and Oceania: International Dictionary of Historic Places – This book covers all historical places in the Asia-Pacific region. |
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China: Five Thousand Years of History & Civilization – This book is written by leading experts in China. It covers Chinese history and culture from the prehistoric era to the early 1900s. |
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The Cambridge Illustrated History of China – An illustrated guide from paleolithic to modern times covering society, women, economics, religion, dynasties, politics, and art. |
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Encyclopedia of China: The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture – Entertaining and easy-to-read, this book is filled with information covering culture, martial arts, food, calligraphy, geography, and more. It is slightly biased in that it only focuses on China, ignoring the impact neighboring countries had. |
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A Short History Of The Chinese People – This is a classic book on Chinese history. Written by a Western professor born and raised in China, he brings an unbiased insiders viewpoint to Chinese history. |
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Voyages in World History, Volume 1 – Written by a professor of Chinese history, this book on world history also provides good insight into Chinese history. |
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Mirroring the Past – A slight departure from the other books I’ve listed, Mirroring the Past covers the treatment of history and thought in China. |
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China: Empire and Civilization – Covers philosophy, mythology, art, science, religion, inventions, and more. |
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Berkshire Encyclopedia of China – For your Chinese history enthusiast, this provides the history of China from a Chinese perspective. It’s a treasure trove of information on all things related to Chinese history and culture. |
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Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China – Looks at the history of China through the lives of people. |
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A History of East Asia: From the Origins of Civilization to the Twenty-First Century – Examines the historical and cultural impact China, Japan and Korea had on one another. |
Best Chinese History Books on Emperors and Empresses
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WU ZETIAN (The Mighty Woman Sovereign of China) – Wu Zetian (aka Wu Zhao) was China’s only female empress. This book provides an entertaining narrative on her. |
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Wu: The Chinese Empress who schemed, seduced and murdered her way to become a living God |
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Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China |
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Wu Zhao: China’s Only Female Emperor |
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Emperor Qianlong: Son of Heaven, Man of the World – Emperor Qianlong was an empire builder, helping to form what we know of as modern China. |
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A Chinese Biographical Dictionary – Covers the important people in Chinese history. If you want more on particular individuals, but don’t want to read an in-depth biography or one hasn’t been written, you’ll probably find what you’re looking for in this book. |
Best Chinese History Books on Weapons
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Ancient Chinese Warfare – One of the best resources for learning about Ancient Chinese weapons. |
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Introduction to Ancient Chinese Weapons – Highly informative, particularly regarding edged weapons |
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Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 5: Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part 7, Military Technology: The Gunpowder Epic – Great resource on Chinese weapons history. Covers the invention of gunpowder, its military applications and uses in civil and mechanical engineering. |
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Siege Weapons of the Far East (2): AD 960-1644 – Covers a wide range of weapons and how they were used in military campaigns |
Books for Children
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Chinese Dynasties! Ancient History for Kids: Emperors of China – Children’s Ancient History Books – Stories about dynasties and their emperors in a format for children, with images |
Best Chinese History Books on the Tang Dynasty
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Women of the Tang Dynasty – Examines excavated pottery figurines and other objects to give insight into women in the Tang Dynasty, including fashion and foreign influence. |
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China’s Southern Tang Dynasty – The first English book written on the Southern Tang Dynasty, it covers military, cultural and political history. |
Best Chinese Calligraphy Books
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The Art of Chinese Calligraphy (Lettering, Calligraphy, Typography) by Jean Long |
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A History of Chinese Calligraphy by Tseng Yuho |
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Chinese Calligraphy (Introductions to Chinese Culture) by Tingyou Chen |