<DIV>The imminent collapse of the People's Republic of China has been foretold for years. Just as often, though, it has been predicted to be the future ruler of the world. But despite the endless stream of soothsayers, there has been no single book that pulls together the whole of the China story, linking its very disparate elements to present a coherent portrait that explains what China is and why it matters so much.<br><br> In this compelling and lucid account based on years of research and first-hand experience, rooted in on-the-ground reporting, interviews, observations, and a viewpoint that sees the country from the inside out, leading journalist and China expert Jonathan Fenby links the myriad features of today's rapidly evolving China. By seeing China as a whole--especially its history and involvement with the West--and connecting the dots, Fenby intelligently looks into its future, both internally and in relation to the rest of the world.</div>