Introduction to the History of China: A Concise Reader is a book of historical research and analysis written under the direction of historical materialism, according to detailed and credible historical documents and archaeological finds and data, and on the basis of the historical achievements accumulated by the academic community over the years. The book is a lucid and concise narration of Chinese history from the ancient humans and the origin of civilization within China's borders until the break out of the Revolution of 1911, when the Qing dynasty, which is China's last imperial dynasty, collapsed. Introduction to the History of China: A Concise Reader is written by historians organized by CASS, (China Academy of Social Sciences). This major work offers an insight into China's rich and complex history researched and written by leading historians in China. It is a unique perspective on China's history from a Chinese perspective. Much is written about China's history in the West. This book provides an understanding of China's history, written in China and available now in the English language.