Commentary As the competition between America and communist China becomes increasingly intense, it is essential that Americans have a deep understanding of China and of the history of its relations with the outside world and especially with the United States. Here is a brief review of key books that can provide the foundation for that comprehension. For most of human history, China was the dominant civilization and power of Asia, and, indeed, in the wake of the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 A.D., it was the world’s largest, most powerful empire for the next 1,350 years. Because the decline and eventual fall of that empire gave rise to key forces driving China today, it is important to understand the causes and courses of that fall. The best telling of that tale is the book by James L. Hevia, titled “Qing Guest Ritual and the Macartney Mission of 1793.” …