From the perspective of development economics, the two-volume set studies the economic history and development of China since 1912, with a focus on the quantitative analysis of economic activities.

Centering on two important historical periods, the first volume examines the economy of the Republic of China between 1912 and 1949, while the second studies the further economic development since 1949. Both titles describe the historical process and characteristics of the economy during the time and then look into the momentum and inner logic that underpin the economic development. Key sectors and economic issues discussed in the book include agriculture, industry, population and labour force, urbanization and mobility, income distribution, and price changes. It also analyses various related elements that occasion and influence the key economic development and trends, including capital formation, human resources, technological progress, the role of government and finance, institutions, macro policies, international trade, and direct investment.

This set will interest scholars and students working on Chinese economic history, the Chinese economy, and modern Chinese society.