The Beautiful Country and the Middle Kingdom

America and China, 1776 to the Present

By: John Pomfret

Narrated by: Tom Perkins

Our relationship with China remains one of the most complex and rapidly evolving and is perhaps one of the most important to our nation's future. Here, John Pomfret, the author of the best-selling Chinese Lessons, takes us deep into these two countries' shared history and illuminates in vibrant, stunning detail every major event, relationship, and ongoing development that has affected diplomacy between these two booming, influential nations. We meet early American missionaries and chart their influence in China and follow a group of young Chinese students who enroll in American universities, eager to soak up Western traditions. We witness firsthand major and devastating events like the Boxer Rebellion and the rise of Mao. We examine both nations' involvement in world events such as World War I and II. Pomfret takes the myriad historical milestones of two of the world's most powerful nations and turns them into one fluid, fascinating story, leaving us with a nuanced understanding of where these two nations stand in relation to one another and the rest of the world.

©2016 John Pomfret (P)2016 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Great

What a beautifully written story of such a powerful and fraught relationship. The themes and characters are so resonant to this day.

Detailed and Interesting

John Pomfret wrote a great book explaining the history of US and China relations. I loved the various stories though there are other things I wish he'd written more details about. The narrator is great until it comes to Chinese words and names. Maybe I've just been spoiled by listening to Laslo Montgomery's CHP. Anyway, it grated on me, but I think it wouldn't bother someone who hasn't heard the names or words in Chinese before.

An absolute must read!

Having lived in China almost 12 years now and experiencing the significant change happening in the country and globally… this book gives the background/history which will simply amaze you. When people say history repeats itself…. This book attests to that. It’s stunning how connected China and the USA have been over the last 200 years or so. This book is well written, engaging, and well performed. I’m going to queue it back up for a 2nd listen.

excellent history of the United States and China

this is an excellent history of the United States and China. it is told in a entertaining way especially the early history. my only request in terms of the information contained in it, would be for more of the figures to be stated as percentages of GDP or other relevant economic figures.

AWSOME

This is an absolute must read!
I am a student of history. I can safely say that this is one of the few books I have read/listened to that I rate among the best.
The history and relationship of China and the USA, for that matter, of the world is important.
I cannot recommend this book more.
I will definitely listen again in the future.
The narrator, mr. Tom Perkins, is a pleasure to listen to.
My thanks to all involved, JK.