A Brief History of Ancient China - by Edward L Shaughnessy (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Drawing on analysis of textual and visual materials, and covering nearly 2,000 years of history, this book sheds new light on Ancient China's political, cultural, and philosophical underpinnings"--

Book Synopsis

A Brief History of Ancient China adapts a traditional Chinese historical format to present a multi-faceted account of the first two millennia of China's 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.

Review Quotes

"The author's 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

About the Author

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.