Gr 4-8-- Three large, slim volumes illustrated with maps, drawings, and abundant color photographs survey the geography, society, and culture of the world's most populous nation. The page layout--brief paragraphs with catchy headlines surrounded by pictures--is inviting and should encourage reluctant older readers. Aside from an overreliance on exclamation points, the style is generally readable, summarizing complex subjects well. Occasionally, oversimplification misleads. The first paragraph of . . . Culture , states: ``. . . in the last one hundred years . . . The government did not encourage people to pursue cultural activities. . . in fact, many people were punished for having an interest in culture. . . .'' Are readers to believe that the excesses of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) lasted a century? Stephen Keeler's Passport to China (Watts, 1987), similar in format and age range but more condensed and stuffed with facts, is a better buy. If there is a need for informational books on China, this set, particularly the Culture volume, offers tidbits not easily available elsewhere. --Margaret A. Chang, Buxton School, Williamstown, MA