Joseph W. Esherick is an emeritus professor of modern Chinese history at the University of California, San Diego, holding the Hwei-chih and Julia Hsiu Chair in Chinese Studies. His scholarship delves into pivotal moments and figures that shaped China's past. He critically examines the transformations China underwent and their societal repercussions. Esherick's expertise offers readers profound insights into the intricate and evolving narrative of Chinese history.
By analyzing pivotal moments in modern Chinese history, the book challenges the idea of historical inevitability, emphasizing the impact of contingent circumstances. It highlights the dynamic nature of Chinese society alongside the enduring presence of a centralized autocratic state, suggesting that the complexities of China's past will lead to ongoing surprises in its future trajectory.