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)

Great book on Chinese foreign policy...

it changes thinking about the evolution of Chinese system. I wish there were more about internal Chinese constrains for development.

Comprehensive, insightful, and riveting

Comprehensive in scope, meticulous in detail, insightful and sophisticated in analysis, and riveting as a narrative endeavor.

Enjoyable Listening

I haven't enjoyed a book as much as this one in a long time. I listen to a lot of books and read books constantly. I only wished he would have described one of those State Banquets and the types of food they served him-in a chapter in the back of the back of the book. Roy Schmidt, PhD

Very knowledgeable

This is such a great write from a man who can be described as The Godfather of modern foreign policy!

Overall good but a bit dry.

Have been meaning to read the book for a while. I live in China for eight years and had thought that On China was an important book. Listened to the audio book because I drive a lot for work. The first third is ancient history. The middle is mostly about Mao and the last third is everything after Mao but mostly about Deng and Zhou. Ultimately I got what I wanted from the book. It filled in some blanks gor me and it gives a fairly concise timeline. I had expected something a bit more personal from Kissinger. There were a few passages of conversations he had with certain people. These were important but lacked any personal depth. The result is that while interesting, it feels dry. It's a bit too much like a textbook.

Fantastic

Amazing, absolutely amazing. A must read for anyone even remotely interested in modern events or foreign affairs.

Fantastic

I feel like I finally have contacts with which to understand china! interesting and exciting look at the last 200 years of Chinese history and the Western interaction with Chinese culture.

Gold standard

For whatever my opinion may be worth -> Ignore the recent proliferation of me too China Rising books and read “On China” by Henry Kissinger. No bias or agenda, just pertinent history and analysis from one of the major players. Audible version narration is excellent.

Must read for security professionals

it's a long book but very good. I found that listening at 1.4 speed was a good way to work through it and follow the narration.

Great content and Great Narrator

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you want to understand China, you must hear or read this book.

What did you like best about this story?

A lot of factual information.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Overall history of China. Worth to know.