The New York Times bestselling author of 1421 offers another stunning reappraisal of history, presenting compelling new evidence that traces the roots of the European Renaissance to Chinese exploration in the fifteenth centuryThe brilliance of the Renaissance laid the foundation of the modern world. Textbooks tell us that it came about as a result of a rediscovery of the ideas and ideals of classical Greece and Rome. But now bestselling historian Gavin Menzies makes the startling argument that in the year 1434, China—then the world's most technologically advanced civilization—provided the spark that set the European Renaissance ablaze. From that date onward, Europeans embraced Chinese intellectual ideas, discoveries, and inventions, all of which form the basis of western civilization today.Florence and Venice of the early fifteenth century were hubs of world trade, attracting traders from across the globe. Based on years of research, this marvelous history argues that a Chinese fleet—official ambassadors of the emperor—arrived in Tuscany in 1434, where they were received by Pope Eugenius IV in Florence. The delegation presented the influential pope with a wealth of Chinese learning from a diverse range of fields: art, geography (including world maps that were passed on to Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan), astronomy, mathematics, printing, architecture, steel manufacturing, military weaponry, and more. This vast treasure trove of knowledge spread across Europe, igniting the legendary inventiveness of the Renaissance, including the work of such geniuses as da Vinci, Copernicus, Galileo, and more.In 1434, Gavin Menzies combines this long-overdue historical reexamination with the excitement of an investigative adventure. He brings the reader aboard the remarkable Chinese fleet as it sails from China to Cairo and Florence, and then back across the world. Erudite and brilliantly reasoned, 1434 will change the way we see ourselves, our history, and our world. Read more

"Astonishing...Brings to life a thriving – and rather civilized – empire" - The Telegraph"sparkles with energy, insight and passion... difficult to put down." Nicholas Morton, BBC History MagazineControl the sea, and you control everything...a gripping tale of dynastic rivalry and innovation, from the author of the classic work Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World.Genghis Khan built a formidable land empire, but he never crossed the sea. Yet by the time his grandson Kublai Khan had defeated the last vestiges of the Song empire and established the Yuan dynasty in 1279, the Mongols controlled the most powerful navy in the world. How did a nomad come to conquer China and master the sea? Based on ten years of research and a lifetime of immersion in Mongol culture and tradition, Emperor of the Seas brings this little-known story vibrantly to life. Kublai Khan is one of history's most fascinating characters. He brought Islamic mathematicians to his court, where they invented modern cartography and celestial measurement. He transformed the world's largest land mass into a unified, diverse and economically progressive empire, introducing paper money. And, after bitter early setbacks, he transformed China into an outward looking sea-faring empire. By the end of his reign, the Chinese were building and supplying remarkable ships to transport men, grain, and weapons over vast distances, of a size and dexterity that would be inconceivable in Europe for hundreds of years. Khan had come to a brilliant realization: control the sea, and you control everything. A master storyteller with an unparalleled grasp of Mongol sources, Jack Weatherford shows how Chinese naval hegemony changed the world forever - revolutionizing world commerce and transforming tastes as far away as England and France. Read more

The author of Vermeer’s Hat shares “a dizzying and exhilarating journey” through 800 years of Chinese history and national identity (New Statesman).China is one of the oldest states in the world. It achieved its approximate borders with the Ascendancy of the Yuan dynasty in the thirteenth century and has maintained them ever since—through the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Republic, the Occupation, and Communism. Yet China has never been alone in the world. It has had to contend with invaders as well as foreign traders and imperialists. Its rulers for the majority of the last eight centuries have not been Chinese.China became a mega-state not by conquering others, Timothy Brook contends, but rather by being conquered by others and then claiming right of succession to the empires of those Great States. What the Mongols and Manchu ruling families wrought, the Chinese ruling families of the Ming, the Republic, and the People’s Republic, have perpetuated. Yet the idea of a naturally Chinese ‘fatherland’ persists to this day. In The Great State, Brook examines China’s relationship with the world at large for the first time, from the Yuan through to the present, by following the stories of ordinary and extraordinary people navigating the spaces where China met, and continues to meet, the world. Read more

Are you fascinated by the myths and legends of ancient cultures? A lover of history who wants to learn more about China’s rich, unique past? This book is for you.China was a major player in the ancient world, contributing to advancements across the globe. While the civilization is most known for the wise teachings of Confucius and the tenets of Taoism, Chinese culture has also relied heavily on its own mythology and folklore.From gods and goddesses to paranormal encounters with ordinary people, the stories in this book have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries.With their own creation myth and explanations of the elements and natural world, the folklore of the Chinese civilization provides both wisdom and excitement.Whether you’re well-versed in the myths of other ancient civilizations like Greece, Egypt, and Rome or a beginner looking to expand your knowledge, this book will serve as your all-inclusive guide to Chinese mythology.In Uncovering Chinese Mythology: A Beginner’s Guide Into the World of Chinese Myths, Enchanting Tales, Folklore, Legendary Heroes, Gods, Divine Beings, and Mythical Creatures, you will discover the stories of:The foundation of Chinese civilization.The creation of all life on Earth.Mythological creatures and part-humans.Animal spirits.Emperors and cultural heroes.Folklore with deep meaning and moral lessons.Gods and goddesses of the natural world.And countless other important tales.The world of Chinese mythology is filled with wisdom, beauty, and a desire to explain both natural and supernatural phenomena.If you’re ready to begin your journey into the past, pick up your copy of Uncovering Chinese Mythology: A Beginner’s Guide Into the World of Chinese Myths, Enchanting Tales, Folklore, Legendary Heroes, Gods, Divine Beings, and Mythical Creatures today! Read more

The Terra Cotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. Over seven thousand life-size figures of warriors and horses were interred in the mausoleum of the first emperor of China—and each figure was individually carved.Weaving together history and a first-hand account of his experiences in China, John Man tells the fascinating story of how and why these astonishing figures were created in the third century BC, and how they have become a symbol of China's history, culture, and society. Read more

Journey across epic China—through millennia of early innovation to modern dominance. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.As we enter the “Asian century,” China demands our attention for being an economic powerhouse, a beacon of rapid modernization, and an assertive geopolitical player. To understand the nation behind the headlines, we must take in its vibrant, tumultuous past—a story of “larger-than-life characters, philosophical arguments and political intrigues, military conflicts and social upheavals, artistic invention and technological innovation.”The Shortest History of China charts a path from China’s tribal origins through its storied imperial era and up to the modern Communist Party under Xi Jinping—including the rarely told story of women in China and the specters of corruption and disunity that continue to haunt the People’s Republic today. A master storyteller and exacting historian, Linda Jaivin distills this vast history into a short, riveting account that today’s globally minded readers will find indispensable. Read more

The Silk Road is as iconic in world history as the Colossus of Rhodes or the Suez Canal. But what was it, exactly? It conjures up a hazy image of a caravan of camels laden with silk on a dusty desert track, reaching from China to Rome. The reality was different--and far more interesting--as revealed in this new history.In The Silk Road, Valerie Hansen describes the remarkable archeological finds that revolutionize our understanding of these trade routes. For centuries, key records remained hidden--sometimes deliberately buried by bureaucrats for safe keeping. But the sands of the Taklamakan Desert have revealed fascinating material, sometimes preserved by illiterate locals who recycled official documents to make insoles for shoes or garments for the dead. Hansen explores seven oases along the road, from Xi'an to Samarkand, where merchants, envoys, pilgrims, and travelers mixed in cosmopolitan communities, tolerant of religions from Buddhism to Zoroastrianism. There was no single, continuous road, but a chain of markets that traded between east and west. China and the Roman Empire had very little direct trade. China's main partners were the peoples of modern-day Iran, whose tombs in China reveal much about their Zoroastrian beliefs. Silk was not the most important good on the road; paper, invented in China before Julius Caesar was born, had a bigger impact in Europe, while metals, spices, and glass were just as important as silk. Perhaps most significant of all was the road's transmission of ideas, technologies, and artistic motifs.The Silk Road is a fascinating story of archeological discovery, cultural transmission, and the intricate chains across Central Asia and China. Read more

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An authoritative account of five thousand years of Chinese history Many nations define themselves in terms of territory or people; China defines itself in terms of history. Taking into account the country's unrivaled, voluminous tradition of history writing, John Keay has composed a vital and illuminating overview of the nation's complex and vivid past. Keay's authoritative history examines 5,000 years in China, from the time of the Three Dynasties through Chairman Mao and the current economic transformation of the country. Crisp, judicious, and engaging, China is the classic single-volume history for anyone seeking to understand the present and future of this immensely powerful nation. Read more

This is a completely new and updated edition of J. M. Roberts and Odd Arne Westad's widely acclaimed, landmark bestseller The Penguin History of the World.For generations of readers The Penguin History of the World has been one of the great cultural experiences - the entire story of human endeavour laid out in all its grandeur and folly, drama and pain in a single authoritative book. Now, for the first time, it has been completely overhauled for its 6th edition - not just bringing it up to date, but revising it throughout in the light of new research and discoveries, such as the revolution in our understanding of many civilizations in the Ancient World. The closing sections of the book reflect what now seems to be the inexorable rise of Asia and the increasingly troubled situation in the West.About the authors:J.M. Roberts, CBE, published The Penguin History of the World in 1976 to immediate acclaim. His other major books include The Paris Commune from the Right, The Triumph of the West (which was also a successful television series), The Penguin History of Europe and The Penguin History of the Twentieth Century. He died in 2003.Odd Arne Westad, FBA, is Professor of International History at the London School of Economics. He has published fifteen books on modern and contemporary international history, among them The Global Cold War, which won the Bancroft Prize, and Decisive Encounters, a standard history of the Chinese civil war. He also served as general co-editor of the Cambridge History of the Cold War.Reviews'A work of outstanding breadth of scholarship and penetrating judgements. There is nothing better of its kind' Jonathan Sumption, Sunday Telegraph'A stupendous achievement' A.J.P. Taylor'A brilliant book ... the most outstanding history of the world yet written' J.H. Plumb Read more

A common misconception holds that Marco Polo "opened up" a closed and recalcitrant "Orient" to the West. However, this sweeping history covering 4,000 years of international relations from the perspective of China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia shows that the region's extensive involvement in world affairs began thousands of years ago. In a time when the writing of history is increasingly specialized, Warren I. Cohen has made a bold move against the grain. In broad but revealing brushstrokes, he paints a huge canvas of East Asia's place in world affairs throughout four millennia. Just as Cohen thinks broadly across time, so too, he defines the boundaries of East Asia liberally, looking beyond China, Japan, and Korea to include Southeast Asia. In addition, Cohen stretches the scope of international relations beyond its usual limitations to consider the vital role of cultural and economic exchanges.Within this vast framework, Cohen explores the system of Chinese domination in the ancient world, the exchanges between East Asia and the Islamic world from the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries, and the emergence of a European-defined international system in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The book covers the new imperialism of the 1890s, the Manchurian crisis of the early 1930s, the ascendancy of Japan, the trials of World War II, the drama of the Cold War, and the fleeting "Asian Century" from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s.East Asia at the Center is replete with often-overlooked or little-known facts, such as:• A record of persistent Chinese imperialism in the region• Tibet's status as a major power from the 7th to the 9th centuries C.E., when it frequently invaded China and decimated Chinese armies• Japan's profound dependence on Korea for its early cultural development• The enormous influence of Indian cuisine on that of China• Egyptian and Ottoman military aid to their Muslim brethren in India and Sumatra against European powers• Extensive Chinese sea voyages to Arabia and East Africa—long before such famous Westerners as Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus took to the seasEast Asia at the Center's expansive historical view puts the trials and advances of the past four millennia into perspective, showing that East Asia has often been preeminent on the world stage—and conjecturing that it might be so again in the not-so-distant future. Read more

Chinese mythology: plunge into the heart of age-old legendsAre you fascinated by mythological tales and ancient beliefs? Then let me introduce you to the book that will change your view of Chinese Mythology. Let's face it, this isn't just another book on Asian mythology, but a veritable treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom you won't find anywhere else.A profound and captivating exploration of Chinese mythologyI have a confession to make: this book is the fruit of years of in-depth, passionate research into every facet of Chinese mythology. In 15 chapters, you'll discover the founding stories, legendary deities and heroes, philosophical and moral concepts, festivals and celebrations, and much more. You'll never look at Chinese culture in the same way again!Written with passion, precision and clarityEvery sentence in this book is designed to transport you to the heart of the Chinese mythological universe. You'll feel the power of the dragon, the grace of the phoenix and the wisdom of the immortals. And, let's be honest, who hasn't dreamed of knowing more about the adventures of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, or the legend of Chang'e and the Moon?Content rich in cultural and historical referencesMake no mistake, this book is not a simple compilation of myths and legends. It offers a unique perspective on the influence of Chinese mythology on philosophy, religion and art, and on the links between Asian and Western cultures. Chinese mythology will hold no secrets for you!Optimized SEO and copywriting to guarantee a must-read bookThanks to its masterful writing and in-depth work on SEO, this book is a real nugget for all Chinese mythology enthusiasts. Don't waste any more time looking for the information you need: it's all here, in this reference work.The treasures of Chinese mythology await youImagine yourself wandering the sacred mountains and celestial pillars, understanding the concepts of Yin and Yang and Wuxing, or deciphering the symbols of prosperity and longevity... This book gives you all these experiences and more, in one single volume.So why wait? Don't miss this unique opportunity to discover the secrets of Chinese mythology and enrich your knowledge. Don't miss the chance to explore a fascinating world where gods, heroes and mythical creatures come to life on every page.As you'll see, "Chinese Mythology" is much more than just a book: it's an invitation to an extraordinary journey to the heart of legends and beliefs dating back thousands of years. A journey that will open up new horizons and give you a deeper understanding of Chinese history and culture.Take control of your destiny and plunge into the captivating world of Chinese mythologyIt's time to make a decision: are you ready to immerse yourself in this spellbinding universe and emerge transformed? Destiny is holding out its arms to you, and it's up to you to seize this opportunity and let yourself be guided through the fascinating tales of Chinese mythology.Don't let your fears and doubts hold you back. Take the first step and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the mythological tales that have shaped Chinese culture for millennia. You won't regret it!Take action: treat yourself to "Chinese Mythology" right now!This book is a veritable goldmine for delving into the fascinating world of Chinese mythology. The journey begins here, and you're the hero! Read more

Pyrrho of Elis went with Alexander the Great to Central Asia and India during the Greek invasion and conquest of the Persian Empire in 334–324 BC. There he met with early Buddhist masters. Greek Buddha shows how their Early Buddhism shaped the philosophy of Pyrrho, the famous founder of Pyrrhonian scepticism in ancient Greece.Christopher I. Beckwith traces the origins of a major tradition in Western philosophy to Gandhara, a country in Central Asia and northwestern India. He systematically examines the teachings and practices of Pyrrho and of Early Buddhism, including those preserved in testimonies by and about Pyrrho, in the report on Indian philosophy two decades later by the Seleucid ambassador Megasthenes, in the first-person edicts by the Indian king Devanampriya Priyadarsi referring to a popular variety of the Dharma in the early third century BC, and in Taoist echoes of Gautama's Dharma in Warring States China. Beckwith demonstrates how the teachings of Pyrrho agree closely with those of the Buddha Sakyamuni, "the Scythian Sage." In the process, he identifies eight distinct philosophical schools in ancient northwestern India and Central Asia, including Early Zoroastrianism, Early Brahmanism, and several forms of Early Buddhism. He then shows the influence that Pyrrho's brand of scepticism had on the evolution of Western thought, first in Antiquity, and later, during the Enlightenment, on the great philosopher and self-proclaimed Pyrrhonian, David Hume.Greek Buddha demonstrates that through Pyrrho, Early Buddhist thought had a major impact on Western philosophy. Read more

In 1793, Lord George Macartney and an enormous delegation—including diplomats, doctors, scholars, painters, musicians, soldiers, and aristocrats—entered Beijing on a mission to open China to British trade. But Macartney’s famous refusal to perform the traditional kowtow before the Chinese Emperor was just one sign that the two empires would not see eye to eye, and the trade talks failed. The inability to develop a trade relation would have enormous consequences for future relations between China and the West. Peyrefitte’s vivid narrative of this fascinating encounter is based on extraordinary source materials from each side—including the charming and candid diary of Thomas Staunton, the son of one of Macartney’s aides. An example of history at its finest, The Immobile Empire recaptures the extraordinary experience of two great empires in collision, sizing each other up for the first time. Read more

Embark on an Unparalleled Journey Through the Rich Tapestry of Eastern Civilization!Discover the Cradle of Intellectual Thought: From the mystical valleys of the Indus to the imperial courts of Japan, "Eastern Civilization" unravels the vibrant histories of India, China, and Japan. This captivating guide is your window into the ancient worlds that shaped modern thought.Unearth Hidden Gems of History:Witness the birth of profound religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.Explore the intricacies of Japan’s samurai culture and the strategic depths of Chinese philosophy.Delve into the transformative eras of colonialism and imperialism, and see how these civilizations evolved into their contemporary forms.A Fusion of Past and Present:See the past come alive with tales of wars, cultural exchanges, and philosophical debates.Understand how the legacies of these great civilizations continue to resonate in today's global culture.This Book Offers:In-depth analysis of the Eastern intellectual and cultural movements.Fascinating stories of power, religion, and art that shaped billions of lives.A unique perspective on the interconnectedness of Eastern civilizations.For Whom? Whether you're a history aficionado, a student of cultures, or a curious mind eager to explore the East's rich heritage, this book is your perfect companion.Click “Add to Cart” and embark on a journey through time, exploring the wonders of Eastern civilization. Your intellectual odyssey awaits! Read more

Journey on the Silk Road, and discover trade, cultures, and adventures from the ancient world!Step onto the fabled Silk Road, an epic network of ancient trade routes that spanned thousands of miles and linked the East and West for centuries. In The Silk Road, embark on a captivating voyage through time and terrain, where cultures converged, goods flowed, and history unfolded.This book delves into the fascinating world of the Silk Road. Learn how spices, silk, precious gems, and ideas traversed vast deserts, towering mountain passes, and bustling bazaars. Discover the secrets of this remarkable historical crossroads where empires rose and fell and where the exchange of knowledge, art, and technology changed the course of civilizations.Within these pages, you will do the following: Uncover the origins of the Silk Road and its myriad branches;Follow in the footsteps of legendary travelers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta;Marvel at the treasures that adorned the caravanserais and markets;Learn about the diverse cultures that coexisted and thrived along the route;Witness the transformative impact of the Silk Road on science, religion, and philosophy;Explore the mysteries of the hidden Silk Road cities buried beneath the sands of time;Follow the rise and fall of empires that sought to control this lucrative trade route;Understand the enduring legacy of the Silk Road in shaping today’s interconnected world;And so much more!Don’t miss the chance to unravel the tales of adventure, cultural exchange, and the enduring spirit of human connection that defined the Silk Road. Click the “add to cart” button and embark on a remarkable odyssey through the pages of this book! Read more

A New York Times Book Review Editors' ChoiceAn Economist Best Book of 2024A captivating history of civilization that reveals the central role of the horse in culture, commerce, and conquest.No animal is so entangled in human history as the horse. The thread starts in prehistory, with a slight, shy animal, hunted for food. Domesticating the horse allowed early humans to settle the vast Eurasian steppe; later, their horses enabled new forms of warfare, encouraged long-distance trade routes, and ended up acquiring deep cultural and religious significance.Over time, horses came to power mighty empires in Iran, Afghanistan, China, India, and, later, Russia. Genghis Khan and the thirteenth-century Mongols offer the most famous example, but from ancient Assyria and Persia, to the seventeenth-century Mughals, to the high noon of colonialism in the early twentieth century, horse breeding was indispensable to conquest and statecraft.Scholar of Asian history David Chaffetz tells the story of how the horse made rulers, raiders, and traders interchangeable, providing a novel explanation for the turbulent history of the “Silk Road,” which might be better called the Horse Road. Drawing on recent research in fields including genetics and forensic archeology, Chaffetz presents a lively history of the great horse empires that shaped civilization. Read more

In The Long March, Sun Shuyun uncovers the true story behind the mythic march of Mao's soldiers across China, exposing the famine, disease, and desertion behind the legend.In 1934, in the midst of civil war, the Communist party and its 200,000 soldiers were forced from their bases by Chiang Kai-shek and his Nationalist troops. Led by Mao Tse Tung, they set off on a strategic retreat to the barren north of China, thousands of miles away. As Sun Shuyun travels along the march route, her interviews with survivors and villagers show that the forces at work during the days of the revolution – poverty, sickness, and Mao's use of terror, propaganda, and ruthless purges – have shaped modern China irrevocably. Uncovering the forced recruitment, political infighting, and futile deaths behind the myth, Shuyun creates a compelling narrative of a turning point in modern Chinese history, and a fascinating journey that spans China, old and new. Read more

A Short History of Nearly Everything meets Astrophysics for People in a Hurry in this humorous, accessible exploration of how meteorites have helped not only build our planet but steered the evolution of life and human culture.The Solar System. Dinosaurs. Donkey Kong. What is the missing link? Surprisingly enough, it's meteorites. They explain our past, constructed our present, and could define our future.Impact argues that Earth would be a lifeless, inhospitable piece of rock without being fortuitously assaulted with meteorites throughout the history of the planet. These bombardments transformed Earth’s early atmosphere and delivered the complex organic molecules that allowed life to develop on our planet. While meteorites have provided the raw materials for life to thrive, they have radically devastated life as well, most famously killing off the dinosaurs and paving the way for humans to evolve to where we are today.As noted meteoriticist Greg Brennecka explains, meteorites did not just set us on the path to becoming human, they helped direct the development of human culture. Meteorites have influenced humanity since the start of civilization. Over the centuries, meteorite falls and other cosmic cinema have started (and stopped) wars, terrified millions, and inspired religions throughout the world. With humor and an infectious enthusiasm, Brennecka reveals previously untold but important stories sure to delight and inform readers about the most important rocks on Earth. Read more

Uncover the untold story of a forgotten war that shaped East Asian history! In Tang-Tibet War (641-681 CE), delve into the epic struggle between two mighty empires—the flourishing Tang Dynasty and the burgeoning Tibetan Empire. Discover the clash of cultures, religions, and ambitions that ignited a conflict spanning decades.Explore the strategic brilliance of Emperor Taizong and Songtsen Gampo, two legendary figures who shaped the destinies of their nations. Witness the brutal battles, sieges, and relentless campaigns that tested the limits of human endurance. Uncover the military tactics, political maneuvering, and diplomatic intrigues that defined this tumultuous era.Journey to the heart of ancient China and Tibet, experiencing firsthand the clash between Buddhism, Confucianism, and indigenous beliefs. Chart the rise and fall of alliances, unraveling the complex web of relationships that influenced the war's outcome. Learn about the military leaders, such as Li Jing, who played pivotal roles in shaping the conflict's strategic trajectory.From the siege of Chang’an to the decisive battles that changed the course of history, Tang-Tibet War (641-681 CE) offers a compelling narrative of a pivotal period—the political landscape, the social impact, and the enduring legacy of this brutal conflict. Find out how this lesser-known war influenced the development of East Asia.This short history book is your perfect introduction to this overlooked conflict—a detailed journey into a forgotten war, bringing to light the fascinating aspects of ancient Chinese history, Tibetan history, and military history.Ready to embark on this historical adventure? Click the "Buy Now" button and order your copy of Tang-Tibet War (641-681 CE) today! Read more