Overview

Covering more than two thousand years of history, twelve key battles that helped shape today's China ""If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.""― Sun Tzu, The Art of War The study of Chinese battles faces many hurdles that include different spelling systems, a haze of seemingly impenetrable names, places, and ideas, and different approaches to recording history. Early indigenous Chinese histories were written by Confucians with an anti­military bias, and used rather laconic phrases to describe battles. These accounts were then transmitted to Jesuit missionaries who shared the Confucian disdain for martial matters. The modern discipline of history developed in the West during a time of particular Chinese weakness and political division, resulting in the lack of parallel material. Decisive Battles in Chinese History by Morgan Deane overcomes these obstacles to present the vast span of recorded Chinese history through key battles, from Maling, fought in 342 BC during the Warring States period, to Hengyang in 1944, which marked the end of major Japanese operations in China. Each of the twelve chapters highlights a significant conflict that selectively focuses on unique Chinese characteristics of the time, including belief systems, ruling ideology, the connection between technology and warfare, military theory, political events and rulers, and foreign policy, including China's eventual interaction with the West. The book pushes back on a variety of ideas and stereotypes, ranging from the Chinese use of gunpowder, their supposedly weak reaction to the West, the viability of the Dynastic Cycle in studying history, the context of Chinese military theory, the exclusivity of martial and cultural spheres, and the uniqueness of Western imperialism. It also offers a groundbreaking reassessment of Mao Zedong's leadership and his impact on the development of guerilla warfare. In a world filled with disturbing reports of conflict and potential warfare, Decisive Battles in Chinese History offers a unique addition to students, historians, and general readers wishing to better understand Chinese history.

Full Product Details

9781594164361

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Reviews

"""The book successfully uses the battles as a means to understand the evolution of Chinese military culture, doctrine, and tactics. The battle maps are well drawn and helpful for those who are not familiar with China's geography and history. The author has designed the book for general readers, including high school seniors and college freshman, so they can quickly grasp the complex security concerns and strategic calculations often underlying China's decision-making process.""--Li Xiaobing, Journal of Chinese Military History ""China's increased presence on the global stage has attracted greater interest in its long military history. With five millennia behind it, East Asia's dominant power is certainly no stranger to armed conflict. While that immense scope may seem daunting, author Morgan Deane offers a highly accessible survey with Decisive Battles in Chinese History.""--Army History ""This astute history clearly reveals the development of China's military and martial spirit.""--Military Officer ""China's rich military history is surveyed in this readable book aimed at a broad audience interested in the details of warfare. Deane gives concise accounts of twelve battles spanning the fourth century BCE to 1944. The author discusses Chinese social organization and views on governance and the military across time, with some comparisons to Europe. The book thus conveys much basic information about Chinese history along with the battle stories. Simple but useful maps accompany each chapter, and there is a section of illustrations of soldiers and military equipment from various periods. . . . Recommended. All levels/libraries.""--Choice"

""The book successfully uses the battles as a means to understand the evolution of Chinese military culture, doctrine, and tactics. The battle maps are well drawn and helpful for those who are not familiar with China's geography and history. The author has designed the book for general readers, including high school seniors and college freshman, so they can quickly grasp the complex security concerns and strategic calculations often underlying China's decision-making process.""--Li Xiaobing, Journal of Chinese Military History ""China's increased presence on the global stage has attracted greater interest in its long military history. With five millennia behind it, East Asia's dominant power is certainly no stranger to armed conflict. While that immense scope may seem daunting, author Morgan Deane offers a highly accessible survey with Decisive Battles in Chinese History.""--Army History ""This astute history clearly reveals the development of China's military and martial spirit.""--Military Officer ""China's rich military history is surveyed in this readable book aimed at a broad audience interested in the details of warfare. Deane gives concise accounts of twelve battles spanning the fourth century BCE to 1944. The author discusses Chinese social organization and views on governance and the military across time, with some comparisons to Europe. The book thus conveys much basic information about Chinese history along with the battle stories. Simple but useful maps accompany each chapter, and there is a section of illustrations of soldiers and military equipment from various periods. . . . Recommended. All levels/libraries.""--Choice

Author Information

MORGAN DEANE is a military historian and freelance author. Literate in Chinese, he earned an M.A. in history from Norwich University and studied at Kings College London. His military analysis and political commentary has been published in numerous outlets, including Fox News, Washington Examiner, Las Vegas Journal Review, and Salt Lake Tribune.

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