This book in an in-depth look at the changes of the political landscape of China from the end of the revolution to the opening of the country to world trade, and limited democracy and capitalism. It is very well researched with the use of many primary and secondary sources, up until no untranslated from Chinese. The book is academic, no doubt and paints a detailed picture on the shifting of the role of the Chinese Communist party and its role in the government. Certainly much more politically oriented than cultural. The background information is detailed, but more concerned with political infighting than going into the great events, i.e. the Cultural Revolution. The most pronounced changes, those of everyday people and life in China are reserved for the last chapter. I thought the material of the book would cover that more heavily but it spent the near entirety setting it up. The chronology can be troubling as well, as dates are skipped and jumped to in order to more effectively use quotes and material for each chapter subject. A good book for someone wanting to delve into the surface of a fascinating piece of history. ( )