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)

insightful, well narrated, and in depth

I am a bit sad now that the book is over. I got the book as a gift years ago but was intimidated by its sheer size. thank you audible for this wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed the in depth analysis of Sino American relations narrated clearly and with great enthusiasm. The narration was such that key passages were emphasized and clarity was preserved even at 2.5x speed. The Chinese words were also well pronounced. First class audiobook from content to presentation.

Very interesting!

I loved this book. Super informative about Chinese strategic thinking, linking ancient history with modern developments.

Must Read to understand China

This book does an exceptional job of framing Chinese history, philosophy and international relations. As someone with little time spent studying the issue, it was essential to my understanding.

Accurate

Good read for anyone interested in social, economic and political Sino-US relations, enjoyed very much.

Comprehensive history from a unique historic perspective

This book is an excellent overview of Chinese history and the diplomatic statesmanship between the US and China from 1950 through the Obama administration. As recounted by Henry Kissinger, the senior American diplomat on China across multiple American administrations, the book is incredibly deep and readable primer on the past, present and potential future of the 21st centuries two dominant countries. Well worth the time spent on the book.

Great insight

Very contrasting as compared to “the hundred year marathon” but also a very different perspective. Nonetheless very highly insightful and interesting. Easy read and easy to follow. Do highly recommend.

Excellent. Informative. Interesting.

Where does On China rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

So much of the US economy is tied into the Chinese economy.

What did you like best about this story?

Thoroughness. Plus, I think Henry Kissinger is/was a fabulous statesman.

What about Nicholas Hormann’s performance did you like?

Yes.

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