Ancient China

Plot

Ancient China chronicles 3500 years of China's recorded civilization, beginning with the founding of the Shang dynasty around 1500 B.C., and continuing through the 'Great Cultural Revolution'. This book combines three elements in one volume with narrative, a wide-ranging collection of historical art, and a selection of translations from Chinese writing. Fitzgerald traces the great sweep of Chinese civilization through all its millenniums. He writes of the great events and powerful men who have shaped China's destiny including: - the early efforts to unite China - the rise and fall of dynasties - the invasions of barbarians - the encroachment of the West - Shih Huang Ti - Genghis Khan - Marco Polo - Kublai Khan - Sun Yat-sen - Mao Tse-tung The book covers a vast range of subjects: the important contributions to science and technology, religion, philosophy, government, daily life, the imperial court, trade, language, legends and superstitions, and much more.