China's Geography: Globalization and the Dynamics of Political, Economic, and Social Change(Changing Regions in a Global Context: New Perspectives in Regional Geography Series)

A second edition of this book is now available. Despite China's obvious and growing importance on the world stage, it is often and easily misunderstood. Indeed, there are many Chinas, as this comprehensive survey of contemporary China vividly illustrates. Offering the first sustained geography of the reform era, the authors trace the changes occurring in this great and ancient nation across both time and space. Beginning with China's diverse landscapes and environments, and continuing through its formative history and tumultuous recent past, this text presents contemporary China as a product of both internal and external forces of past and present. The text traces current and future successes and challenges while placing China in its international context as a massive "developing nation" that must meet the needs of its 1.3 billion citizens while becoming a major regional and global player. Through clear prose and abundant maps and photos, China's Geography illustrates and explains the great differences in economy and culture found throughout China's many regions.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: China's Path and Progress Chapter 2: China's Natural Environments Chapter 3: Ancient Roots and Binding Traditions: Historical Geographies of China Chapter 4: The Political Geography of Emerging China Chapter 5: Population and Human Resources Chapter 6: Culture and Culture Change in Urban China Chapter 7: A Preface to China's Changing Economic Geography Chapter 8: Agriculture: From Antiquity to Revolution to Reform Chapter 9: Urban Development in Contemporary China Chapter 10: Reform and Challenge in China's Industrial Sector Chapter 11: Hong Kong Before and After the Return Chapter 12: Macao (Macau) Chapter 13: Taiwan

About the Author :
Gregory Veeck is professor of geography at Western Michigan University.Clifton W. Pannell is professor emeritus of geography at the University of Georgia. Christopher J. Smith is professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University at Albany, SUNY. Youqin Huang is assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University at Albany, SUNY.

Review :
A fascinating book, authoritative but not pedantic. One chapter each is devoted to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan; the remaining 10 chapters cover various aspects of the human geography of mainland China. . . . Highly recommended. This well-organized book . . . is a welcome addition. . . . Anyone looking for an up-to-date geography textbook on China should give this volume a close look. I also strongly recommend it as a general reader for people wanting to get a good overview of China. Combining scholarship and accessibility, this informative analysis gives an updated, incisive, and refreshing portrayal of China's society and economy in the new millennium. It will be valuable for students, observers, and researchers interested in China and for all readers who want to understand the rapidly changing and globalizing world where the rise of China is increasingly a reality. This book provides an up-to-date, comprehensive survey of the various factors that have contributed to China's recent emergence as a global economic power and the impact of success on its natural environment and people. The authors are to be congratulated for making a major contribution to the literature, distinguished by their insightful interpretations of each topic covered. All students and scholars interested in the new geography of China should read this book. Written by four leading specialists, this thorough text on China's dramatic geographic transformation provides excellent analyses of the land, people, economy, and society in urban and rural China. Ideal for college students and the general public who wish to know the country better.