This readable and balanced account of China since 1978 is designed not as an academic monograph but as a textbook for university students or general readers. It succeeds in its stated task. The authors, all China specialists, explore both the successes and failures of Deng Xiaoping's reforms. There are sensible chapters on such topics as political reform, special economic zones, the law, the educational system, the environment, the health system, and foreign policy. There is also a good bibliography.