Customer Rating: 
Summary: solid foundation
Comment: Barry Naughton's "The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth" provides a very extensive, in-depth examination of the transition process in the Chinese economy as well as an excellent historical base from which the recent reform process was launched.
Naughton has a proven record of scholarly, informative research on China, as evident in the discussion of a broad range of topics related to China's performance, including of course demographic, environmental, and trade challenges; however, there is a rather lean treatment of the currency valuation issue and other sources of tension in the Sino-American trade relationship. It might be noted too that performance is somewhat ambiguously viewed by alternating between PPP-adjusted and unadjusted GDP.
The speed of the transition in China's economy can leave the statistical support a bit dated, so the reader has to be cautious before quoting the numbers. Overall, though, Naughton's work is a reliable text for understanding China and China's phenomenal growth record.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Definitive Overview of Chinese Growth
Comment: Having read countless articles and books on China, Naughton stands out as the leader on the Chinese economy. This book is structured brilliantly, providing novices and experts alike with easy access to valuable information.
I recommend this to anyone with any interest in understanding how China has grown into a leader in today's economy.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The Chinese economy demystified
Comment: China's economic development since 1978 has baffled and surprised the world. Other developing economies may regard China with envy but if they are contemplating copying China's model of development, help is at hand. They just need to read Naughton's book.
China's three decade of economic development has been called many things, such as groping stones while crossing the river, three steps forward and two back, bird cage economics, transition from command to market, amazing, miraculous and more. The author has organized the historical date in a way easy to comprehend and coupled with explanations that are lucid and easy to follow.
Textbook conjures up the image of a big snore, but not this one. This one will become essential reference book dogeared by frequent use.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Required reading for anyone who is serious about China
Comment: An excellent book which is rare for being highly readable, insightful, and well supported. Those who know China will find specific information and analysis which explains why the country operates in the way that it does. Those who don't know China will learn about the country without the confusion that results from the writings of casual observers.
The only specific weakness in the book is Dr. Naughton's assessment of modern industrial policy, which is incomplete and off-track. That aspect is simply an omission and does little to detract from the overall value of his work.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Corner Stone
Comment: A superb guide to the intricacies of the Chinese economy. I highly recommend it to students, professionals, policy makers, and academics looking to better understand the underlying themes and trends of the world's fastest growing economy.
Erik Lundh,
Washington, DC
|
