The Greatest Chinese History and Nonfiction Books of All Time
Click to learn how this list is calculated.
This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 488 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.
Genres
The category of "History" in books refers to the study and interpretation of past events, societies, and cultures. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including political, social, economic, and cultural developments, as well as the lives of individuals and groups who have shaped the course of history. History books can be written from various perspectives and may focus on specific time periods, regions, or themes. They aim to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on the present.
Countries
Date Range
Reading Statistics
Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!
Download
If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.
Download-
1. Wild Swans by Jung Chang
Three Daughters of China
This book is a biographical account of three generations of women in China, spanning the years 1909 to 1991. The narrative follows the lives of the author's grandmother, a warlord's concubine; her mother, a high-ranking official in the Communist Party; and the author herself, who grew up during the Cultural Revolution before moving to the West. The book presents a vivid portrayal of the political and social changes in China during the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of these three women.
The 950th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Wandering On The Way by Zhuangzi, Victor H. Mair
Early Taoist Tales and Parables of Chuang Tzu
This philosophical work delves into the teachings of a revered ancient Chinese sage, exploring themes of spontaneity, freedom, and the nature of reality. Through a series of parables, anecdotes, and dialogues, it challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to embrace the fluidity and unpredictability of life. The text emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with the natural order and finding harmony within the chaos of existence, ultimately advocating for a life of simplicity and authenticity. Its profound insights invite readers to question their perceptions and embrace a more liberated and intuitive way of being.
The 2763rd Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah
The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter
"Falling Leaves" is a heartbreaking autobiography that recounts the life of a young girl who grows up in a wealthy but abusive family in 20th century China. Despite being the daughter of a prosperous businessman, she is treated as an outcast and blamed for her mother's death, who died shortly after her birth. The story portrays her struggle for acceptance and love within her family, her journey through the cultural revolution in China, and her eventual success as a physician in the U.S. It's a poignant exploration of the themes of familial bonds, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.
The 3138th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. 1587, A Year Of No Significance by Ray Huang
The Ming Dynasty in Decline
Set against the backdrop of the late Ming Dynasty, this historical analysis delves into the seemingly uneventful year of 1587 to unravel the intricate socio-political dynamics of China. Through the lives of six key figures, including the Wanli Emperor and his officials, the narrative explores the complexities of governance, the challenges of reform, and the subtle interplay of power and tradition. The book offers a profound reflection on how minor events and decisions can have lasting impacts, revealing the underlying currents that shaped an era often overlooked in the grand tapestry of history.
The 3164th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. The Private Life of Chairman Mao by Li Zhi-Sui
The Memoirs of Mao's Personal Physician
This book is a memoir written by a personal physician who served Chairman Mao for over two decades. It offers an unprecedented and intimate look into the life and character of the powerful Chinese leader. The book reveals Mao's personal habits, manipulative nature, political maneuvers, and his disregard for human life in the pursuit of his goals. It also uncovers the power struggles within the Chinese Communist Party, providing a unique perspective on China's political history.
The 3904th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Records of the Grand Historian by Sima Qian
Shiji
"Records of the Grand Historian" is an ancient Chinese text that provides a comprehensive history of China, from the earliest times up to the author's own period. The book is divided into five parts: the Basic Annals, the Chronological Tables, the Treatises, the Hereditary Houses, and the Biographies. It covers the lives of significant figures, political events, cultural developments, and much more. The author's objective and critical approach to history has had a profound influence on Chinese historiography and continues to be a valuable resource for understanding ancient Chinese history and culture.
The 4675th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. China Along The Yellow River by Cao Jinqing
Reflections on Rural Society in the 1990s
This book provides a detailed sociological examination of rural China through the lens of villages along the Yellow River. The author, an urban intellectual, immerses himself in the daily lives of rural residents, uncovering the profound economic struggles, social changes, and the enduring traditions that define their existence. Through vivid narrative and insightful analysis, the book explores the impact of rapid industrialization and urbanization on these communities, offering a poignant look at the disparities between China's urban and rural landscapes.
The 5490th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Prisoner Of The State by Zhao Ziyang
The Secret Journal of Premier Zhao Ziyang
This compelling memoir offers a rare insider's perspective on the political upheavals in China during the late 20th century, particularly the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. The narrative unfolds through secret recordings made during the author's house arrest, revealing the intricate workings of the Chinese Communist Party and the internal conflicts that shaped the nation's trajectory. It provides a candid account of the author's personal reflections, regrets, and the ideological struggles that led to his fall from power, offering readers a unique glimpse into the complexities of governance and reform in a rapidly changing China.
The 5808th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. Our Story by Rao Pingru
A Memoir of Love and Life in China
Set against the backdrop of 20th-century China, this poignant memoir unfolds the tender love story of a devoted couple, capturing the essence of their enduring bond through decades of political upheaval and personal challenges. The narrative is enriched with vivid illustrations and heartfelt reflections, offering a glimpse into the everyday joys and struggles of their shared life. Through the lens of nostalgia and resilience, the story celebrates the beauty of companionship and the timeless power of love.
The 6653rd Greatest Book of All Time -
10. Red Memory by Tania Branigan
Living, Remembering, and Forgetting China's Cultural Revolution
"Red Memory" delves into the complex legacy of Mao Zedong's rule in China, exploring how it continues to shape the nation's identity and politics. Through personal stories and interviews, the book uncovers the deep and often conflicting emotions of Chinese citizens who lived through the tumultuous periods of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. The narrative reveals a society grappling with its past, where personal memories of suffering, resilience, and ideological fervor coexist with a state-driven narrative that both reveres and selectively forgets aspects of its own history. This exploration highlights the challenges of reconciling individual trauma with collective memory and the ongoing impact of Mao's era on contemporary China.
The 13182nd Greatest Book of All Time
Reading Statistics
Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!
Download
If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.
Download