China's Buried Kingdoms (Lost Civilizations) [Hardcover]

Time-Life Books (Author)

Book Description

Series: Lost Civilizations | Publication Date: July 1993

In good shape. Almost new.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-The history of ancient China from 1700 B.C. to A.D. 200-the Shang Dynasty to the Han Dynasty-is told here. The major dynasties are described, as well as the archaeological discoveries that help to explain events during the time periods. Information on the problems archaeologists encountered while they worked is also included. Each of the four chapters is followed by a photo essay that further delineates specific art, artifacts, or findings from each period. For instance, the entry on the Eastern Zhou Dynasty offers a heavily illustrated essay on ``China's Desert Time Capsule,'' with crisp photographs of the relics unearthed there. Clear, full-color and black-and-white photos appear on almost every page. Diagrams and maps are also included. The book is well written, and the facts are interestingly presented. The layout is attractive. Unfortunately, there is no explanation at the beginning of the book of the organization of the chapters. Nonetheless, the excellent photography, gathering of archaeological detail, and inviting style make this volume a worthwhile addition.-Carol Kolb Phillips, The Library, East Brunswick, NJ

Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

China's rich past is brought to life in this stunning presentation of the archaeological record of the Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties. As with other books in this series, and with all Time-Life Books, the present volume is impressively illustrated with color photographs, maps, drawings, and charts. Readers will be especially interested in the well-known terra cotta army of Qin Shihuangdi, China's first emperor, and the lesser-known tomb of Lady Xin of the Han Dynasty, remarkably well preserved more than two millenniums after her death. The text is informative, presenting much detail in a manner accessible to general readers (though the use of pinyin romanization should have been accompanied by the more traditional and, for many people, more recognizable, Wade-Giles system). Recommended for general collections serving young adult as well as older readers.
- Kenneth W. Berger, Duke Univ. Lib., Durham, N.C.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Time Life Education (July 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080949891X
• ISBN-13: 978-0809498918
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #922,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars China's Buried Kingdoms/Lost Civilizations, June 25, 2010

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Fan of Time-Life Books "Chris" (Spokane, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: China's Buried Kingdoms (Lost Civilizations) (Hardcover)

China's Buried Kingdoms is one of twenty-four volumes in the Time-Life book series Lost Civilizations. This series explores the worlds of the past, using the finds of archaeologists and other scientists to bring ancient peoples and their cultures vividly to life. This volume portrays the archaeology of China from the time period of 1700 B.C. to 220 A.D.

The Shang, Eastern Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties are covered in each of the book's four chapters. The narrative and photographic essays make for a wonderful journey back into China's long history. The highlight of this book is the section on Emperor Shihuangdi's terra-cotta army which was discovered in 1974. The terra-cotta army is considered to be one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. This book is a companion volume to Ancient China from the Great Ages of Man series (see my review). Includes a bibliography and time line. Ideal for those not familiar with early Chinese history or who are seeking a great introduction to the archaeology of one of the oldest cultures in the world.