From Yao to Mao: 5000 Years of Chinese History

By: Kenneth J. Hammond, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Kenneth J. Hammond

Length: 18 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

For most of its 5,000-year existence, China has been the largest, most populous, wealthiest, and mightiest nation on Earth. And for us as Westerners, it is essential to understand where China has been in order to anticipate its future. These 36 eye-opening lectures deliver a comprehensive political and historical overview of one of the most fascinating and complex countries in world history.

You'll learn about the powerful dynasties that ruled China for centuries; the philosophical and religious foundations-particularly Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism-that have influenced every iteration of Chinese thought, and the larger-than-life personalities, from both inside and outside its borders, of those who have shaped China's history. As you listen to these lectures, you'll see how China's politics, economics, and art reflect the forces of its past.

From the "Mandate of Heaven," a theory of social contract in place by 1500 B.C.E., 3,000 years before Western philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, to the development of agriculture and writing independent of outside influence to the technologically - advanced Han Dynasty during the time of the Roman Empire, this course takes you on a journey across ground that has been largely unexplored in the history courses most of us in the West have taken.

In guiding you through the five millennia of China's history, Professor Hammond tells a fascinating story with an immense scope, a welcome reminder that China is no stranger to that stage and, indeed, has more often than not been the most extraordinary player on it.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

A great overview of Chinese History

Any additional comments?

This was a very thorough and enjoyable overview of Chinese history. The professor does a great job touching on many important subjects and nuances in Chinese history, including even an overview of Chinese geography, which I think is essential for understanding the history of any country. Like all history it can become a little dry or hard to remember or distinguish all the different peoples and dynasties at some points. I would highly recommend these lectures to anyone looking for a good, thorough overview of Chinese history from the earliest times to the near present.

Interesting but biased.

Puts China in a golden light, praising Communism, ignoring any negative acts against it’s people or the Military actions against others. Still a great book, but suggest providing more unbiased lectures in the future or visiting the actual country and hearing from the people about people disappearing or being sent to prison camps for speaking against the government or even less . I have been there and talked with many Tibetans, Chinese and expats from there. I am not saying China is evil, but there are good and bad parts of all Country histories, and they need to be taught in an honest and unbiased way, so that we can learn from the mistakes of the past and grow as a people.

Awesome Course

I really enjoyed listening to this whole course. Professor Hammond is an excellent narrator. If you are new to the history of China, this is probably one of the best courses to get you up to speed. It is a well presented comprehensive overview of the history of China, and will probably spark your curiosity to continue further study.

Fascinating and Thorough

A really fascinating history of China, providing great insight into the Chinese cultural mindset by giving a historical overview of influences like Confucius, Buddhism, the Mongols, the Manchus and the soviets while leading us through chinas most important historical events.

The “Great Courses” lecture style is very different to other history audiobooks. Much more general overview and timeline based than illustrative.

Sometimes Prof. Hammonds stuttering and umming gets a bit annoying and his lecture style is a bit devoid of personality or humor. No history teacher jokes or modern references here. Probably my fault as I’m used to hearing the works of other historians like being read by a professional voice actor.

I also wish that there was more mention of source material in these lectures. Though the author is obviously knowledgeable, it would be nice to hear some quotes from contemporary letters, government documents or whatever to set the scene a little more. Perhaps a quote from Lao Tzu or Mao to add illustration to the ongoing train of facts and timelines.

Would recommend this
to a fellow history buff, this just has a very different, more facts only presentation style than other historical writers like Mcculough, Shirer or Ambrose which I prefer.

Very Interesting History!

I am a huge history buff but had never taken the time to learn Chinese history. This material is very well presented and interesting. It amazes me how actually advance China was over the rest of the world in the early times.

I do feel like I struggled to keep up with names and places, perhaps if I actually used the attached material, that may had helped. It explains pretty well the geography of China but it is still pretty hard to imagine without spending the time looking at a map. I would definitely recommend doing this for a short period before starting this.

In the end, I really liked this. I liked it much more than I would have thought I would, due to my bias and affinity for American and European history. It is definitely worth the credit and the time invested.

Good, but...

.....too many names of rulers and dynasties. I would prefer more about the history of the society and the lives of ordinary people.

Fast-paced, but comprehensive history of China

Would you listen to From Yao to Mao: 5000 Years of Chinese History again? Why?

This is an excellent, fast-paced, but comprehensive series of lectures on the history of China. It is recommended for those who want to understand this global partner, its antecedents and how they influence and predict China's current behavior. Professor Hammond's lectures are engaging and approachable, but never dull or pedantic. His very learned, but casual style doesn't sound scripted. A very worthwhile investment for anyone interested in China, its place on the world stage and its current political and economic posture.

Very very nice lecture.

Very good lecture, i would like to here more from this man. Thanks a lot

Informative with bias minimal

A more balanced presentation of China and how it has reached its current state well informed

EXCELLENT BOOK !!

Went into these lectures with very little knowledge on Chinese history and was blown away with how fascinating the culture was and how it endured conquers and centuries.