A relatively comprehensive overview of Chinese culture, life & government, but felt a little flat to me — I also felt a fair amount of cultural bias & judging in it. I think this is not the best book on China to start with if you haven’t been there to temper some of Becker’s observations. I’m in the middle of another book on China called The Oracle Bones that I think is a better representation of things, not to mention Gifford’s China Road, which is different in ambition, but excellent.
John's Blog 