Governing China looks at Chinese history over the course of 1700 years, (150-1850), from the perspective of governance as a barometer and determinant of a societies well-being. The book includes timelines, maps, and an introduction comparing China in 150 to China in 1850, and is then divided chronologically into four parts: Part I - From Fragmentation to Reunification; Part 2 - Imperial Grandeur and its Aftermath, 589-907; Part 3 - The Tripartition of China, 960-1279; Part 4 - Permanent Unity Largely Achieved: Yuan, Ming, and Qing