Explores both the benefits and disadvantages of the developments in global communication. The author discusses the annoyance and dangers of BlackBerrys in meeting rooms, hands-free kits in conversation, and using a phone or iPod whilst driving.

In 1421, the largest fleet the world had ever seen set sail from China under the command of Emperor Zhu Di's loyal eunuch admirals. But by the time they returned home, Zhu Di had lost control and China was turning inwards, leaving the records of their discoveries to be forgotten for centuries.

A new edition of one of the bestselling and best-loved books of recent years, with a new introduction by the author.

This eye-opening look at China's growing economic might, by journalist Ted Fishman, explains how the profound shift in the global economic order will affect us all.

This new edition includes a new final chapter covering events following Tiananmen Square and there is additional material on the 18th century, the roots of Chinese communism, and the relationsip between Mao and Stalin at the time of the Korean War.