China Under Communism examines the history of the Chinese communists since their accession to power in 1949, through the tumult of ongoing revolution under Mao to the new era of economic reforms and the handover of Hong Kong.

Through analysis of China as an

ancient civilization, Alan Lawrance assesses the problems facing the communist regime in 1949 at home and abroad and the state's transition from Marxism to capitalism. The topics of discussion range from changing relationships with the US and the Sino-Soviet rift to recent economic

growth and the problems of modernization and the crushing of political reform in Tiananmen Square.

With a full bibliography and comprehensive end notes drawing attention to further reading reading and historiographical debate, China Under Communism is an invaluable concise

introduction to China from 1949 to the present day.