The Ancient History of China

by Sheila Hollihan-Elliot

Overview

China is one of the world's oldest uninterrupted civilizations, and the essential culture and identity of the Chinese people-the-Chinese Way-was formed more than 2,000years ago. This volume chronicles the development of Chinese civilization from Neolithic times, when agriculture revolutionized society, to the early first century A.D., when the Han dynasty's triumph over a usurper firmly established a social and governmental model that would survive into the 20th century.

Ancient History of China presents China's important formative legends; relates the story of China's early Bronze and Iron Age cultures; chronicles the chaotic periods of warfare that preceded the unification of the country in the third century B.C.; and introduces such influential figures as the philosopher Confucius and the emperor Shi Huang Di, who built the Great Wall and commissioned the sculpting of a huge terra-cotta army to guard his grave. Students will be fascinated by this fast-moving and informative account.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781422221549
Publisher:	Mason Crest Publishers
Publication date:	09/28/2011
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	7.96(w) x 9.58(h) x 0.43(d)
Lexile:	1220L (what's this?)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

1 The Chinese Way 13

2 The Seeds of Chinese Civilization 19

3 The Legendary Emperors and the Xia Dynasty 27

4 Shang Dynasty: War and Grandeur 39

5 Western Zhou: An Age of Peace and Prosperity 53

6 Eastern Zhou: Chaos and Solutions 65

7 Qin: The First Unified Empire 77

8 Early Han: A Flowering of Culture 91

9 Epilogue: Wang Mang-Heaven's Mandate, Gained and Lost 103

Chronology 108

Glossary 110

Further Reading 112

Internet Resources 113

Index 114

Editorial Reviews

China is a nation that has a history so long and deep that it can seem almost mystical. Thousands of years ago an imperial ruling class emerged in a land blessed with natural resources and an industrious people. That nation has gone through a twisting and turning of history that led to a modern era in which China is emerging as one of the great economic and political powers in the world. But, to better understand the Chinese people and their government requires some special care. Chinese history is rarely taught in western schools. Chinese languages are seldom studied in European and North American educational settings. Chinese culture is typically understood by foreigners at the most basal levels. As a result, the Chinese are frequently viewed as inscrutable and unpredictable. In reality, China is a nation that has evolved over time and which in its present structure represents the sum total of those historical forces. In this introductory chapter in the “China Emerging Superpower” series, it is the initial two millennia or so of Chinese history that is the focus of attention. In telling the story of the emperors of these first two thousand years of Chinese history, author Hollihan-Elliot weaves a variety of cultural elements into her story. Of particular interest are the stories behind the rise of Confucianism, the emergence of Taoism, the development of civil service, and the individual biographies of particular leaders. Rich in historical fact this book also offers readers insights into China’s cultural heritage, the resilience of its people, and the ebb and sway of history that set the stage for modern developments in Chinese thought. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck AGERANGE: Ages 12 up.

Children's Literature - Greg M. Romaneck

China: The Emerging Superpower consists of ten concise, high-quality books written by respected researchers, authors, and professors. Each book has a specific focus, such as The History Of Modern China, Ancient History Of China, and Food And Festivals Of China. Other books discuss China’s art, architecture, politics, economy, and people. It is stated in the foreword by the series’ editor that China has a complex history, and while the Chinese learn about the United States from a young age, the reverse is not always true. The series’ goal is to provide information about China to students in an organized and accessible way. Teens looking for textbook-quality information will not be disappointed with this series. Full-color illustrations, topic headings, “Fast Fact” boxes, an index, glossary, web resources, and compact sizing (averaging 120 pages each) make this a good choice for cover-to-cover reading or for easily finding information. While the books are part of a series, individual titles can be ordered depending on the needs of your readers. Food And Festivals Of China, for example, has wide general appeal and is a topic that is almost always included when students are asked to research other cultures. This series, and its individual titles, is highly recommended for libraries seeking to start or enhance their collection on China. (China: The Emerging Superpower) Reviewer: Marissa Wolf; Ages 12 to 18.

VOYA, February 2014 (Vol. 36, No. 6) - Marissa Wolf

Chinese history dwarfs that of many western nations. Over 4,000 years ago ancient Chinese dynasties ruled and spread a vibrant culture across vast stretches of Asia. For an American who considers the Revolution of 1776 to be ancient history what can be made of a culture that has existed for four complete millennia? In Ancient History of China Sheila Hollihan-Elliot concisely chronicles the pathway of the early dynasties that led up to the Han period. In this volume of the Mason Crest "China" series, readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the rich history of the world's most populated nation. As in the case of many other books in this illustrated series this particular text features strong research, solid writing, and an interesting literary voice. In addition, Ancient History of China incorporates some fascinating historical footnote events that provide a real flavor for concepts, such as the Mandate of Heaven, Confucianism, and Taoist beliefs. This is a well-crafted book and one that will be of great assistance to youngsters bent upon learning more about Chinese history. 2006, Mason Crest Publishers, Ages 12 up.
—Greg M. Romaneck

Children's Literature