Based on a series of lectures given by Professor Jenner in New Zealand shortly after Tiananmen square, this book examines the peculiarity of Chinese history, and of the unique burden that history places on present-day China, which Jenner sees in a state of serious crisis, possibly even of potential collapse. The book offers an understanding of recent events in China and the challenge of the future. The author does not see democracy fitting easily into China's political system but does see some hope as the tyranny of China's past and the unity of the imperial state begin to unravel.