Minjian offers a look into the history and growth of grassroots, or unofficial, intellectuals in China.

While its introduction to the topic is clear and precise in its definitions, Minjian seems to focus too much on previous academic research and lacks a clear argument, offering example after example and effectively preventing the book from developing past the theoretical. It is too dense with historiography (I say this as someone who studied history at university); there is reference after reference with little actual discourse.

The ideas behind the book are interesting and worth a look, but the lack of original discourse and discussion - despite what appeared to be considerable research and effort - really hampered my enjoyment in reading Minjian. Would recommend only for those with an established interest in the topic looking for detail.