This book, which can be used in secondary and college courses, is the first of two volumes which present a Chinese view of China and the world. The reality of everyday life as experienced by the Chinese people is recreated in the series. Almost all of the materials in both volumes has been written by Chinese and has been taken from a variety of sources: autobiographies, fiction, poetry, newspaper and magazine articles, and historical documents. Each primary source selection is preceded by an editor's introduction which provides background information and a few questions for class discussion. Volume one begins with the story of the Communist rise to power in 1949, which led to perhaps the most spectacular social revolution the world has ever seen. This first volume focuses on the changes brought about in the lives of the peasants, the masses who make their living from the land. It is comprised of four major parts. In Part I the Chinese talk about the "Revolution and Land Reform." Part II, "A New World View," presents materials on Maoist ethics, the traditional family ethic, and religion. Part III deals with "The Liberation of Women." The status of women, the home life of a saleswoman and romance in China are discussed. Part IV deals with "Politics." The Confucian heritage, education, and dissent are included among the topics discussed. (Author/RM)