This volume mainly covers the history of the Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties. Topics include the rise of the Qin state, Qin Shi Huang, the Chu-Han Contention, the Silk Road, public opinion and the suppression of political factions, the Three Kingdoms, Zhuge Liang's rule over Shu, the reunification under the Western Jin, and the elegant manners of the Wei and Jin. It is the second volume of General History of China. This large-scale historical work was compiled on the basis of the hundred-episode historical documentary General History of China.
The hundred-episode General History of China was produced under the supervision of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, with the Institute of History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences serving as chief writer and the film and television channel of China Central Television handling production.
Based on the authors' original works, this series expands and improves upon the documentary's written version. It runs to approximately one million Chinese characters across eight volumes. Its authors and interviewees include nearly all of the major scholars in Chinese historical studies, making for an impressive lineup. This is a newly written work incorporating the latest archaeological and historical research, offering the most authoritative interpretation of Chinese history with a rigorously scientific approach.
This book is very rich in content. Mr. Bu Xianqun thoroughly explains the history of Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties. I particularly liked the part about the Silk Road in the book, which gave me a deeper understanding of ancient economic and cultural exchanges. Moreover, this book also incorporates the latest archaeological and historical scientific research results, making it feel very authoritative. I think it is not only suitable for history lovers to read, but also can be used as a reference book for parents to explain history to their children.