The Cambridge History of Ancient China: From the Origins of Civilization to 221 BC

The Cambridge History of Ancient China provides a survey of the institutional and cultural history of pre-imperial China. The four subperiods of Shang, Western Zhou, Spring and Autumn, and Warring States, are described on the basis of literary and material sources and the evidence of recently found manuscripts. Chapters on the prehistoric background, the growth of language, and relations with the peoples of Central Asia provide the major context of China's achievements in the 1,500 years under review. A final chapter leads the reader forward to imperial times, as described in the volumes of The Cambridge History of China.