Ancient China (DK Eyewitness Books Series)

by Arthur Cotterell

Overview

A spectacular and informative guide to the history of the great Chinese empire and the customs and traditions of its people. 

Stunning real-life photographs and lifelike models offer a unique "eyewitness" view of life in imperial China, from its earliest beginnings in the Bronze Age to its final years in the early 20th century. See the stunning bronze work of the ancient Chinese and the beautiful techniques used for Chinese calligraphy. Learn why the First Emperor created the Terracotta Army, what kinds of goods were carried along the Silk Route, who invented paper, and much, much more. 

The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780756613822
Publisher:	DK
Publication date:	09/05/2005
Series:	DK Eyewitness
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	72
Sales rank:	146,427
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.30(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	1060L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Among Arthur Cotterell's historical books are Chariot, The Minoan World, A Dictionary of World Mythology, The Penguin Encyclopedia of Classical Civilizations, The Pimlico Dictionary of Classical Civilizations, The Pimlico Dictionary of Classical Mythologies, and Eyewitness: Ancient China.

Table of Contents

	The world's oldest empire	6
	The beginning of China	10
	The teachings of Confucius	12
	The art of war	14
	The first emperor of China	16
	In the empire's service	18
	A land of invention	22
	Paper, printing, and books	24
	The Three Ways	26
	Health and medicine	28
	The three perfections	30
	Life in the fields	34
	Great waterways	38
	Within the city walls	40
	At home	42
	Food and drink	44
	Dressed for best	46
	Adornment	48
	Festivals and games	50
	Living in harmony	52
	Gardens of Heaven	54
	Arts and crafts	56
	The Silk Road	58
	Great ocean voyages	60
	The end of the empire	62
	Did you know?	64
	Timeline	66
	Find out more	68
	Glossary	70
	Index	72

Editorial Reviews

Gr 5-10-Done in typical ``Eyewitness'' format, this volume touches upon such topics as Chinese history, the first emperor, inventions, health and medicine, waterways, food and drink, clothing, the Silk Road, and arts and crafts. Material from as recent as the last dynasty, which ended in 1911, is included; because all of the information is presented in double-page spreads, some cover extremely wide time frames. Reproductions of Chinese paintings and prints, while in full color, are sometimes so small as to be virtually useless. Confucianism is incorrectly called a religion; likewise the Great Wall is attributed to the first emperor rather than to Ming times. Given these limitations, the book will nonetheless be popular for browsing.-Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA

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