The Great Thinkers

First published in 1954, Introduction to the Economic History of China is a pioneering study of a subject largely unexplored by Western scholarship at the time. Professor Kirby examines key periods in Chinese history, identifying critical issues for further study and evaluating source materials. His analysis offers a vivid portrayal of China’s historical development and its broader impact on Asian societies. Notably, Kirby provides a critical assessment of Marxism’s global relevance. Drawing on sources from the Far East, the West, and Russia, this original and lucid work remains an indispensable resource for scholars of Chinese economic history.