Ancient China (Eyewitness Books Series) by E. J. Opik, Laura Buller, Alan Hills (Photographer)

From the Publisher

Here is 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 days in the early years of the 20th century. See the stunning bronze work of the ancient Chinese, an early irrigation machine, a set of antique acupuncture needles, the beautiful implements used for Chinese calligraphy. Learn why the First Emperor created the terra-cotta army, what kinds of goods were carried along the Silk Route, who invented paper, how a Chinese house was constructed, why tombs were filled with pottery figures, and what a civil servant's job entailed. Discover why emperors were known as Sons of Heaven, what kinds of weapons were used in early battles, why families worshiped their ancestors, how fishermen used bivas to catch fish, and much, much more.

Kris Sauer - Children's Literature

America's fascination with China knows no bounds it seems, nor should it, for it is an utterly fascinating place with an utterly fascinating history. This book is geared towards those in grades three to seven, but those on the early end of reading might find the text in this book a bit advanced. Nevertheless, that should not stop either early readers nor those well beyond grade seven from picking up this volume. Covering the basics from 221 B.C. to A.D. 1912, through excellent photography and succinct descriptions, this title whets one's appetite for a more in-depth study of ancient China. For it was here that so much of what we take for granted began--tools, weapons, paper, printing, porcelain, embroidery--the list goes on. This is not a book you read, but one you absorb, for there is so much here to take in. Laid out well, the book takes you through China's beginnings, through her many dynasties, her inventions, her culture, her social structure, and her wars. A time line, glossary, index and guide on where to learn more are included. This book is but a starting point for a study of China, but an excellent one it is. This is part of the "Eyewitness" series. 2005 (orig. 1994), DK Publishing, and Ages 8 to 12.

Children's Literature

This volume maintains the tradition of quality production and thorough research established by others in Knopf's "Eyewitness Books" series. A wealth of information is contained in this book, and the curious child can dip into almost any page and come away with some treasure. Photographs and text are interwoven into a seamless presentation of the history and artifacts of ancient China, including such topics as warfare, inventions, government and medicine. A useful timeline in the first few pages depicts the dynasties of Imperial China. This is an excellent reference book.

School Library Journal

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

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents