First published in 1958

These volumes analyze modern Chinese history and its inner process, from the pre-western plateau of Confucianism to the communist triumph, in the context of many themes: science, art, philosophy, religion and economic, political, and social change. Volume One includes:
· The critique of Idealism
· Science and Ch'ing empiricism
· The Ming style, in society and art
· Confucianism and the end of the Taoist connection
· Eclecticism in the area of native Chinese choices
· T'i and Yung
· The Chin-Wen School and the classical sanction
· The modern Ku-Wen opposition to Chin-Wen reformism
· The role of nationalism
· Communism
· Western powers and Chinese revolutions
· Language change and the problem of continuity