The Open Empire

This book is praised for its innovative approach to Chinese dynastic history, extensively utilizing recent archaeological discoveries and up-to-date visual and material resources. Reviewers highlight its success in painting a vivid picture of Chinese society, encompassing the lives of commoners, elites, women, and outsiders across a vast historical span from the Xia to the Late Ming period. The author is commended for a painstaking job of collecting and critically analyzing sources, presenting convincing arguments that China was not a closed state but open to external ideas and that periods of tumult often stimulated significant intellectual development. Many found the writing style readable, accessible, and engaging, making it a strong introductory text that effectively discusses cultural, historical, and political themes without overwhelming the reader with dry facts. Its focus on social history, religious, and cultural experiences, alongside new scholarship and revisionist thought, is also frequently noted as a valuable contribution.

Despite its strengths, several criticisms are raised regarding the book's execution. Some reviewers felt the author occasionally prioritized the innovativeness of her approach over historical analysis, leading to general or unsubstantiated comments. The organization of arguments is described as uneven, sometimes relying heavily on visual presentations and lacking discussion of alternative viewpoints. Specific concerns include an awkward focus, such as extensive retelling of old novels for minimal historical insight, or an overemphasis on certain social groups that can skew the overall historical narrative. Readers also noted a significant amount of meta-history, leaving less room for direct historical events. Furthermore, the book is criticized for a lack of pedagogical support, introducing numerous names without reminders and employing challenging vocabulary, which can make the reading experience dense and confusing. Some felt it provided more detail on cultural artifacts and social aspects than on core historical events or military history, and that it sometimes presented a critical perspective on certain dynasties without fully exploring their achievements or rejected traditional theories without sufficient explanation.

Overall, this book serves as a valuable and approachable introduction to Chinese history, particularly for those new to the subject or seeking a fresh perspective grounded in recent archaeological finds and diverse sources. It is highly recommended for beginners looking for a readable overview of China's past up to the 16th or 18th century, with a strong emphasis on social and cultural history. However, potential readers should be aware of its unique focus and occasional analytical shortcomings. It would also appeal to those already familiar with traditional Chinese history who are interested in engaging with new scholarship and revisionist interpretations, though they might find it incomplete in certain areas or too brief for in-depth study.