Timothy Cheek holds the Louis Cha Chair of Chinese Research in the Institute of Asian Research at the University of British Columbia. He is also editor of the journal, Pacific Affairs. His books include Mao Zedong and China's Revolutions (2002) and Propaganda and Culture in Mao's China (1997), as well as New Perspectives on State Socialism in China (1997) and The Secret Speeches of Chairman Mao (1989).

• Preface - What Does Tiananmen Mean?1. Making Sense: What is 'China'?2. Living History: What was Maoism?3. Reform: Mao is Dead, Long Live Mao!4. Brave New World: Reform and Openness5. Winners and Losers: Reaction to Reform6. China in the World TodayConclusion

‘Timothy Cheek offers a remarkably comprehensive and perceptive account of Chinese history in the post-Mao era.’Maurice Meisner, University of Wisconsin at Madison'This is a concise, systematic and illuminating introduction to the ways in which China as a complex nation-state works and is experienced by the Chinese during the tumultuous two and half decades of reform.'Adam Yuet Chau, University of London'Timothy Cheek provides readers with a lively introduction to the key dilemmas facing the world’s most populous country.'Jeffrey N. Wasserstrom, University of California'Thought-provoking and thoroughly-argued'.S. K. Ma, Choice