About this item
Highlights
- The Terra Cotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made.
- About the Author: John Man is a historian and travel writer with a special interest in Asia.
- 336 Pages
- History, Asia
Description
About the Book
The incredible story of the discovery of China's greatest archaeological treasure, and the history behind the mysterious terra cotta warriors and the emperor who made them.Book Synopsis
The Terra Cotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. Over seven thousand life-size figures of warriors and horses were interred in the mausoleum of the first emperor of China--and each figure was individually carved.Weaving together history and a first-hand account of his experiences in China, John Man tells the fascinating story of how and why these astonishing figures were created in the third century BC, and how they have become a symbol of China's history, culture, and society.
Review Quotes
"Charleston Post & Courier"
"[Man] uses his skills as a travel writer to set the scene and fill it with vignettes...The folk stories and humorous incidents that salt the text prevent the dust of history from obscuring the glory of the story."
Joy Hog, 8/18/08
"If the tiny tidbits designed for the ADD crowd on NBC merely wet your palette for more, "The Great Wall" is a good place to start."
"Tucson Citizen," 8/21/08
"A fascinating history."
"The Tucson Citizen," 8/21/08
"A highly readable account."
"Acadiana LifeStyle," September 2008
"[A] fascinating book...If you plan to go [to the traveling exhibit], buy this book first."
American Author's Association website
exciting an accounting of history as it gets!...John Man has a way of making history seem like a novel...Go buy a copy!"
"Sun Lakes Splash"
"A vivid account of the roots that formed the unique culture of China."
"Library Journal," 6/15/08
"Brilliant and utterly readable...Reads much like an adventure story that offers fine access to this highly detailed subject."
"Roanoke Times," 8/18/08
"[An] engaging foray into Chinese history."
"Charleston Post & Courier"
"[Man] uses his skills as a travel writer to set the scene and fill it with vignettes...The folk stories and humorous incidents that salt the text prevent the dust of history from obscuring the glory of the story."
"Toronto Globe and Mail," 7/19/08
"[Man's] travel journalism evocatively describes the terra cotta warriors as artifacts, and appropriately overwhelms us with their scale...Man's prose attains precision and genuine awe."
"Houston Chronicle" China book roundup
"Provides essential background reading...Man is a genial guide...learned but not dry."
"Augusta Metro Spirit," 6/25/08
"Worthy of praise...The narrative flows with an intricate knowledge...and personal insights that keep the reader flying along a path of discovery."
"Roanoke Times" 5/11/0
"If you can't make it to China anytime soon to see the warriors, do the next best thing: Grab a warm cup of tea, sink into your favorite reading spot and open "The Terra Cotta Army" to the preface. And begin."
About the Author
John Man is a historian and travel writer with a special interest in Asia. His many acclaimed books include bestselling biographies of Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun, as well as The Great Wall and The Terracotta Army. He lives in the United Kingdom.