On China

By: Henry Kissinger

Narrated by: Nicholas Hormann

Length: 20 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

In this sweeping and insightful history, Henry Kissinger turns for the first time at book length to a country he has known intimately for decades and whose modern relations with the West he helped shape. On China illuminates the inner workings of Chinese diplomacy during such pivotal events as the initial encounters between China and tight line modern European powers, the formation and breakdown of the Sino-Soviet alliance, the Korean War, and Richard Nixon’s historic trip to Beijing. With a new final chapter on the emerging superpower’s 21st-century role in global politics and economics, On China provides historical perspective on Chinese foreign affairs from one of the premier statesmen of our time.

©2011 Henry Kissinger (P)2011 Penguin

Critic reviews

“Fascinating, shrewd...The book deftly traces the rhythms and patterns of Chinese history.” (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times)

“No one can lay claim to so much influence on the shaping of foreign policy over the past 50 years as Henry Kissinger.” (The Financial Times)

"Fascinating.... In On China, statesman Henry Kissinger draws on historical records and 40 years of direct interaction with four generations of Chinese leaders to analyze the link between China’s ancient past and its present day trajectory. In doing so, the man who helped shape modern East-West relations presents an often unsettling, occasionally hopeful and always compelling accounting of what we’re up against." (The Chicago Sun-Times)

I just want to give a star rating. If you force me

Would you consider the audio edition of On China to be better than the print version?

I just want to give a star rating. If you force me to say more, I will give you this tripe.

What did you like best about this story?

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What does Nicholas Hormann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

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If you could give On China a new subtitle, what would it be?

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Any additional comments?

I just want to give a star rating. If you force me to say more, I will give you this tripe.

A few short words from a listener.

If you could sum up On China in three words, what would they be?

An enriching experience.

What was one of the most memorable moments of On China?

The dialogs between President Nixon and Chairman Mao.

Have you listened to any of Nicholas Hormann’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but Nicholas Hormann did an excellent job. I even looked to see what else he narrated to see if I would be interested in any of the other works.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

It would have to be a documentary, I would simply call it 'On China' and leave it at that.

Any additional comments?

This was a very enlightening experience. I'm very glad to have listened to it-I definitely wouldn't have made it through reading it. Its too high of a reading level for me.

As someone who has lived in China and Taiwan

As a who’s lived and worked in China and Taiwan for over 7 years I find this book to be a pragmatic and sensible view of Chinese society and puts a lot of my experience in both of those places into perspective. Worth listening to or reading for someone who wants to a balanced, non-sensational account of China in how it relates to western society.

Dr. Kissinger - national treasure

I learned much from the chapters on Chinese history. Let's hope for peaceful, respectful cooperation.

Wisdom from a statesman Kissinger - a must read

This book provides the depth and breath analysis between the US and China over the last many decades. A must read before the US takes a drastic change in mapping out the course going forward for the sake of world peace.

Fantastic

Well written and researched. Very enlightening. The book has magnificent flow and transition. Narration is also fantastic.

good overview of china

Long and dry, but still a vital view of China. so much information I will definitely listen again.

China: A Great Book-Read It!

I am relistening to "China". It provides a lot of insight into how China got to where it is today. I realize some people will disagree with this book, but I feel it provides a basis for futher reading and study.

A great book, read/listen to it.

Get this book

I have read a number of book on China and this is the best. I was worried it would be out of date, but it is very current.

Magisterial

Beginning with its ancient history and philosophies, moving through the 19th century, when the West first dominated it, and describing in great detail the vicissitudes of the relationships (to which he was witness and agent) between the People’s Republic, the Soviet Union, and the USA, Kissinger wisely recommends a course for the 21st century: co-evolution of the two superpowers, avoiding the traps that doomed Europe to WW1 upon the rise of Germany.