This Is China: The First 5, 000 Years contains, in brief, everything we need to know about 5, 000 years of history, 30 years of "opening, " and a future that promises to shape the 21st century for all of us. Drawn from the vast resources of the Berkshire Encyclopedia of China, this concise 120-page book is recommended for classroom use, curriculum development, and student review."It is hard to imagine that such a short book can cover such a vast span of time and space. This Is China: The First 5, 000 Years will help teachers, students, and general readers alike, as they seek for a preliminary guide to the contexts and complexities of Chinese culture."