Ancient China

Children's Literature - Dr. Judy Rowen

Another addition to the Nature Company Discoveries Library, this book is a lovely introduction to the world of dynastic China. First, the history of ancient China is reviewed. But rather than focusing on the litany of dynasties, the bulk of the volume reviews important contributions of this culture to the world and the life-style of China's people. For example, one spread discusses silk production, whereas the Silk Road is reviewed in a section on Trade Routes. Photographs of artifacts and artistic renderings of people and places complete this colorful look at a colorful time. A timeline, glossary and index are included.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 UpThe best thing about this oversized volume is its description of the Great Wall, which is given in a four-page foldout. Otherwise, it is similar in format and content to Arthur Cotterell's Ancient China (Knopf, 1994), but not as detailed. "Ancient Beginnings" selectively covers prehistory through the Tang Dynasty. Dates for the dynastiesthe only dates found in the bookare given only at the very beginning of the section and in an appendix, so readers could turn the page from Han to Tang times without realizing that 400 years have intervened. "Heaven and Earth" touches upon myths, Confucian and Daoist philosophies, Buddhism, views toward death, and justification of the ruler's right to govern. Rounding out the volume are two more sections: "Living in Ancient China," with such themes as the social order, the peasant and the land, clothing, celebrations, medical practices; and "Discovery, Arts and Invention," covering writing, printing, artists and artisans, silk, etc. Each topic within a section is treated briefly and sometimes superficially in a double-page spread. A paragraph of text, giving barest details and, occasionally, interesting trivia, is accompanied by a large full-color illustration. Captions with pictures of appropriate artifacts further expand the material. The one large map of China is poorly rendered.Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA