Our top book picks this week: what China’s superpower status means for the world and more

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  Courtesy Amberley Publishing

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  Courtesy HarperCollins Publishers

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  Courtesy Bloomsbury

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  Courtesy Farrar, Straus and Giroux

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  Courtesy Bloomsbury

The China Challenge by Thomas J Christensen

Many in America are wary of China’s emergence as a global power. But the author, a professor and former diplomat, argues that it’s in China’s interest to avoid conflict, and that the West should try to manage the country’s rise rather than confront it. (W W Norton & Company, July 17)

Richmond Unchained by Luke G Williams

Bill Richmond was born into slavery, but won his freedom and went on to become a famous prizefighter and trainer. This is his extraordinary story. Williams is the editor of Boxiana, a well-received anthology of boxing writing, which was published earlier this year. (Amberely, August 15)

Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald

Fifty years ago, Bob Dylan stunned folk music by plugging in his guitar and belting out Like a Rolling Stone. While Dylan never looked back, some musicians never forgave him. This book explores this pivotal moment and the cultural and political context surrounding it. (Harper, August 14)

Man on Fire by Stephen Kelman

John Lock has arrived in India to escape the drudgery of his life back in England. Here, he offers his services to Bibhuti Nayak, a world record-breaker in feats of endurance whose next challenge is to have 50 baseball bats broken over his body. A book about claiming your destiny from the Man Booker-­shortlisted author. (Bloomsbury, August 13)

Imperium by Christian Kracht

This satirical novel tells the story of a man who establishes a religious colony in German New Guinea. But, of course, things do not go to plan and along the way he is robbed, contracts leprosy and is blighted by unruly disciples from Europe. English translation of a best-seller in Germany. (Farrar Straus Giroux, July 14)

Up Against the Night by Justin Cartwright

Frank McAllister is a descendant of the Boer leader, Piet Retief, who was murdered by a Zulu king in 1838. Now, disillusioned by his life in Europe, he is preparing to go to South Africa and is drawn into a world of violence and delusion. A novel about South Africa’s troubled past and uncertain future. (Bloomsbury, August 27)