A Brief History of Ancient China

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

A Brief History of Ancient China adapts a traditional Chinese historical format to present a multi-faceted account of the first two millennia of Chinas earliest history: from the time of the legendary rulers Yao and Shun (c. 2000 BCE) down to the end of the Qin dynasty (221-207 BCE). Organised into five major sections, it examines the political shifts of the major dynasties, the histories of local states, and the lives of key individuals. Drawing on analysis of textual and visual materials, and a variety of English and non-English sources, Edward L. Shaughnessy offers detailed insight into the contemporary religious and philosophical landscape, governmental and legal practices, and innovations in writing, literature, and music. Incorporating recent developments in the field, this book draws on archaeological discoveries from the last century, and examines the lives of central female figures, and other groups who are often underrepresented.

Reviews

The authors review of archaeological finds and foundational texts, combined with the zestiness of Chinese accounts of heroes and villains and valuable topical essays on things like Music, Law and Bronzes makes for a fresh and fun-to-read survey of Early China that succeeds in capturing the flavor of Chinese historical sensibilities. * Gregory Rohlf, Professor, University of the Pacific, USA *
This well published author on Chinese culture and history has output another monumental work with well expressed and stunningly beautiful illustrations of ancient Chinese history that fill in a cognitive gap necessary for understanding this remote section of Chinese history. * Weixiao Wei, University of Houston, USA *

Author Bio

Edward L Shaughnessy is Lorraine J. and Herrlee G. Creel Distinguished Service Professor in Early Chinese Studies, and Director of Graduate Studies, East Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago, USA.