China Social Science Review

No.2, 2022

 

Writing the Centennial History of the Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation: Reading The Outline of Chinese History in the Twentieth Century

(Abstract)

 

Li Zaiquan

 

The Outline of Chinese History in the Twentieth Century by Jin Chongji is a historical masterpiece of recent years. As a general work of Chinese history focusing on the 20th century with political history as its main thrust, the book draws upon its counterparts and brings forth new work. In researching periods and frameworks, the author shows expository scope and depth, both in use of historical materials and method of writing. Jin grasps the major changes in China and the world in the 20th century as a whole and is a historian sui generis. A grand history work of this kind is of special significance in the increasingly fragmented research state of modern history.