In "Making China Modern," Klaus Mühlhahn offers a masterful and panoramic exploration of China's journey from a dominant empire in the eighteenth century, through periods of tumult and upheaval, to its position as a global power in the twenty-first century. Mühlhahn delves beyond the conventional narratives of political and economic reform, presenting China's rise as a testament to its enduring ability to adapt and innovate in the face of external pressures and internal strife. From the challenges of the Opium Wars and the Taiping Rebellion to the nation's strategic engagements with industrial development and international markets, this book rewrites the story of China, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness that have defined its modern trajectory. With a historian's rigor and a storyteller's flair, Mühlhahn traces the intricate web of familial, economic, and institutional dynamics that have underpinned China's path to modernity. "Making China Modern" is not just a story of crisis and recovery; it is a vivid account of a nation's relentless drive to reclaim its centrality on the world stage. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Mühlhahn reveals the complex legacy of a country navigating its past and present, forever shaping the global future. This work stands as a compelling testament to the versatility and innovation that remain at the heart of China's quest for modernization and its implications for the world.