China Marches West: The Qing Conquest of Central Eurasia

China's western push in the 17th and 18th centuries was every bit as important to China as the U.S.'s own western expansion was to the United States, yet the topic did not have a complete and authoritative record in one book until "China Marches West." This long and detailed account might be too much for a casual reader, but what a story. Armies of tens or hundreds of thousands with months of supplies crossing the Mongolian steppes in pursuit of recalcitrant Mongols, building forts and supply points along the way, gradually consolidating Chinese control of a vast region. Of particular interest is the Chinese decision to completely eradicate the state and people of Zungaria, a powerful steppe empire wedged between China and Russia. Understanding the current and ongoing Chinese disputes with their Tibetan and Turkic Muslim peoples (in Xinjiang) is not even possible without access to this history. Very well illustrated. The only shortcoming is that the maps are not detailed enough; the author mentions many towns and areas which you will not find on the maps provided, and there are many places with more than one name or for which the names change over time. A great read for anyone with an interest in Chinese history, Central Asia, Tibet, Xinjiang, or the Mongols. This book draws from many Chinese, Mongol, Russian, and other sources in those languages, and the bibliography and notes sections are extensive.

Very thorough. Maybe too much detail if you did not already have a background in this area. Very readable and interesting.

Excellent book but I got a little bogged down because it is so richly detailed. Good work though.

This is a very good account on how the China under Qing Dynasty gained the mastery over the Mongolia, it gave the account on how the Manchu ruler who originally also came from the steppes expanded the territory far beyond the native Chinese ruler had ever done.

Really nicely written, very revealing. There is a slight anti-empire tone of the author but still great source material for China history enthusiasts.

This book provides an fairly indepth account of dynastic expansion. The Qing retained the instincts of steppe cavalry for almost 150 years and their expansion into Central Asia showed their determination to prevent a rival steppe empire rising on their flanks. Their efforts were opposite to the Ming who spent relatively little time on the steppes, which allowed Manchu rivalry.I enjoy this book very much and impressed with the illustrations.

A fine narrative and analysis of the Manchu Dynasty's invasion and conquest of Turkistan and Mongolia, Perdue brings to the readers' attention the complexities of the modern Peoples' Republic of China.

a good book searching for Xinjiang history

Well written, very accessible about a period of history or region that is not well known.A story of the final and successful conquest and submission of the nomadic threat to Northern China by the descendants of one of those nomadic conquest dynasties (the Manchus).Also is placed in historical context and perspective of that century compared to similar great state and empire expansions into regions that were not easy to take or hold by sedentary states against similarly nomadic peoples and what happens to people and cultures when borders and controls are imposed on what where previously fluid nomadic steppe regions with no real borders.Fascinating to learn that what is now Xinjian with an Uigur/Muslim population had actually been a Mongol/Buddhist land until the Manchu dynasty ethically cleaned the entire region (which is vast) and gave it to the Uigurs to settle as a reward for their help and to be vassals of the Manchus.Also an interesting note that the final remnant of one of the branches of those peoples (the Oirats) are now an autonomous republic in Russia, Kalmykia, which is the only majority Buddhist republic in Europe (they ousted the Nogay Horde, a much diminished remnant of the many Mongol hordes, when they arrived to settle).Great book, enjoyed it greatly. Really recommend it.

Leider war das Buch, obwohl neu gekauft, wohl durch die Verpackung(?) an den unteren Seiten gewellt und hat am hinteren Cover einen starken schrägen Knick...das ist Schade...Das Buch war sehr schnell da, was natürlich erfreut.

good

New Qing History at its best!