A detailed survey of China’s long economic and civilizational history, up to current events, especially vis-à-vis the West, serving as an A-Z reference book on all aspects of Chinese culture, language, art, governance, geopolitics, economy, science, technology, invention, innovation, infrastructure, travel and society, with many personal anecdotal experiences of living and working 16 years with the Chinese people. ***** Must have book to understand modern ChinaEric ArnowReviewed in the United States on January 12, 2020Format: Paperback Having read Jeff's previous works on China, I wanted to get this one. This is an updated version of his earlier work, China is Communist, Dammit. What's unique about this book is the context of modern China, compared with Chinese history and culture. Brown makes the case that China is fundamentally different from the West in outlook,since it views itself as a whole, and has done so for at least 2500years. Unlike Europe, which was fragmented for centuries until the EU,or the USA, which is only 270 years old, China was a huge united geographical entity, where Chinese people and especially the governments saw Chinese society as a whole. It is the collective well being of all which is the core of the Chinese psyche, vs Individualism, the dominant ideology of the West. Because of this, the current Chinese government sees itself as an inheritor of Chinese culture, which operated under the "Mandate of Heaven". When a Chinese government, or Dynasty failed to provide for the wellbeing of all, the people would rise up and get rid of it. Knowing this, the Communist Party realizes both its responsibility to improve the lot of the Chinese people, or face their wrath. Indeed, having pulled China from being 'the sick man of Asia', with hundreds of millions in poverty, it's pulled hundreds of millions out of poverty and doubled life expectancy, and become the industrial engine of the world economy. Aside from this unique understanding, which the book gives in full historical context, the book has been praised by such notable journalists as Pepe Escobar, writer for Asia Times and numerous other publications, NOT controlled by the corrupted MSM; John Pilger, who has been reporting for 50 years, doing groundbreaking reportage of scandals in high places, such as the lies surrounding the Vietnam War. Also James Bradley, best selling author of The China Mirage: The Hidden History of American Disaster in Asia. To have a book endorsed by such notable writers as these three, only underscores the importance of this book for anyone interested in an objective understanding based on facts of Chinese History, Chinese Culture, Chinese Communism and Chinese Society. Highly recommended. 44 Days   "What if Alexis de Tocqueville were fluent in Mandarin and traveling through China by backpack and bullet train? Oklahoma's latter-day Tocqueville, Jeff J. Brown, is one heck of a good storyteller, and traveling with him deep into China is an adventure not to be missed."   Thomas A. Bass, author of The Spy Who Loved Us and Vietnamerica- The War Comes Home thomasbass.com   "44 Days is a delightful romp through a changing China and Jeff J. Brown is an excellent guide."   John Pomfret, author of Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China and The Beautiful Country and The Middle Kingdom johnpomfret.org   "Reading 44Days is like taking a trip through China with a very funny and articulate friend. This is entertainment. 44 Days is worth its weight in gold based sheerly on comedic value. However, the book has a far more reaching purpose.  It's an honorary degree in International Studies. 44 Days should be taught in high school social studies classes."   Prairie Boulmier-Darden , International Educator-Director   "44 Days is an entertaining tale told by someone with a good eye for the absurd,  a sense of history and the ability to appreciate a journey's simple pleasures."   William Kazer , Wall Street Journal   "I could feel the heat of the desert, the toxic air of large, congested cities and the crisp brilliance of a sunny day high on a glacier. Jeff Brown is an intelligent, articulate and entertaining writer and 44 Days is absolutely fascinating. I highly recommend it."   Mick Winter , author of Cuba for the Misinformed: Facts from the Forbidden Island mickwinter.com   "Jeff discovers himself and ponders refreshing perspectives on the human condition. 44 Days is a terrific read for thinkers, travelers and otherwise."   Deena Stryker , author of Lunch with Fellini, Dinner with Fidel and A Taoist Politics: The Case forSacredness otherjonesii.blogspot.com Praise for The China Trilogy : "Jeff J. Brown's dispatches are a bracing antidote to the western media's groupthink on China." John Pilger, award winning film director johnpilger.com/ "Few voices can match Jeff J Brown when it comes to explaining China to foreigners, especially Americans, their minds