Book Description

The Open Empire presents a fresh approach to Chinese history in the premodern period, drawing on stunning evidence from recent archaeological finds and exciting currents in scholarship. Departing from the dynastic structure typical of other histories, Valerie Hansen charts the broad social changes that transcend the artificial chronological boundaries of dynaties, enriching her narrative with discussions of everyday life in the distant past. Peopling the pages are nobles, peasants, women, students, writers, and rebels--all offering their own distinct and colorful perspective. Illuminating the many ways in which Chinese society has been influenced by foreign cultures, The Open Empire depicts China as a country with a dynamic, open history.

Synopsis:

A survey of Chinese imperial history from the Shang dynasty to 1600, this work departs from strict adherence to the dynastic model of Chinese history. Moving chronologically, Valerie Hansen focuses on social history, highlighting those periods when China was most open to exchanges with new culture.

From Book News Annotation

Drawing on surprising evidence from recent archaeological finds and new currents in scholarship, Hansen (history, Yale U.) refashions the structure and themes of the field in her survey of the Chinese past. She discusses everyday life and charts the broad social changes that overflow the artificial chronological divisions of the dynastic cycle.

Book Dimension:

length: (cm)23.5 　　　 　　　　　 　 width:(cm)15.5