The Rise and Fall of the Sui and Tang Dynasties

This book chronicles the rise and fall of the Sui and Tang dynasties. It begins with Yang Jian replacing the Northern Zhou to establish the Sui Dynasty and ends with the Tang’s fortunes spent after Huang Chao captured Chang’an. Using the emperors of the two dynasties as its narrative thread, it covers major events, institutions, and military decisions from the founding of the Sui through the Tang’s flourishing, revival, decline, and collapse over more than three centuries, bringing the era’s incomparable grandeur to life. The book is grounded in well-sourced history and places a strong emphasis on analysis. As it portrays the sweeping course of Sui and Tang history, it also includes vivid, fine-grained details, helping readers experience the spirit of the era’s heroes. Both an accessible introduction and a compelling narrative, it is an excellent guide to the Sui and Tang dynasties.