Many of the basic characteristics of Imperial China took shape during the Han period (202 BC-AD 220). This book, first published in 1982, is a key contribution to our understanding of China¿s cultural history. It explains the conceptual background of many of the artefacts of China¿s past, and calls on the written word of the philosopher, poet and historian, and on cultural treasures revealed by archaeologists.

Book is used and has been withdrawn from service from a Library. Book has a Library Binding and the usual Library Stamps, Stickers, Card Holder, Library Markings. May or May Not have a Dust Jacket.

First published in 1974. This volume illustrates the growth of two attitudes towards government in China during the first century B.C., the one progressive, realist and forward looking, the other conservative, idealist and harking back to the past. It demonstrates the close relationship that existed between political decisions, intellectual policy and the choice of religious observances of state, whilst showing how personal ambitions and the intrigues of the palace were intimately involved with the interplay of these two basis attitudes.