This book is about the work of poverty alleviation in China. The subject is vast in its far-reaching impact on the lives of literally millions of the poorest and most marginalized people and also in its geographic reach from villages and towns in the tropical far south, to the deserts of the far West to the mountainous regions along the great rivers of the central plains to the high country in the south west. Vast also in the involvement of all levels of government, the CPC and society. A subject so vast that it is impossible that one book can hope to provide a complete coverage of this remarkable program. However, by sketching the organizational structures at each level and then by providing detailed snapshots of a wide range of projects, the work of outstanding individuals and the people that have benefited that are typical of the work that is been carried forward across the nation, we hope the readers can comprehend the sheer vastness and complexity of this great undertaking.