Discoveries: Search for Ancient China (Discoveries (Harry Abrams)) [Paperback]

Corinne Debaine-Francfort (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

From the Publisher

This fascinating book examines how archaeological discoveries-including sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, utensils, and, of course, the famous army of life-size terracotta warriors found in an emperor's tomb-have shed new light on ancient Chinese history and culture. Corinne Debaine-Francfort is an archaeologist, sinologist, and researcher at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France.165 illustrations, 105 in full color, 3 maps

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810928507
• ISBN-13: 978-0810928503
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,366,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars For the Sinologist, February 5, 2001

By 

Clint Simpson (MCAS MIRAMAR, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discoveries: Search for Ancient China (Discoveries (Harry Abrams)) (Paperback)

This book is difficult for me to review. Normally, I rate a book as to how well it conveys its subject matter and how useful/enjoyable that subject is. I bought this book expecting a brief lesson on Chinese history. If that were the book's purpose then it would have only one star. However, this book is more about the history, not of China itself, but of Chinese archaeology. Perhaps this book would receive five stars, except the subject was new to me. So not knowing what to make of this book, I gave it three stars. My point to writing this review is to prevent others from repeating my mistake, so they can buy this book for what it is without being mislead by the title.

The book begins with China's traditional link to her past, then goes to the early field research of the late 19th century. Major discoveries and changes to archaeology are then described up to the present day. The bulk of the book covers the finds and their implications.

To conclude, this book is only for the Sinologist. The archaeological references are best understood by someone with a background in Chinese history. Especially for the historian who wishes to know more about how the history was discovered.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Search for Ancient China, November 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Discoveries: Search for Ancient China (Discoveries (Harry Abrams)) (Paperback)

Exactly what I was looking for. I had purchased 2 small reproduction terracotta Chinese warriors at a local flowershop for a gift and simply wanted to know more about their history. When I found this little book, my curiosity was more than quenched. It provided me with a wealth of information, not only about my 2 little terracotta figurines, but about the emperor's whole army. I discovered that more than 6000 life-size terracotta warriors in battle formation were unearthed...and, these were were only a part of an enormous find. (The emperor's death was in 210 BC...the discovery was in the late 1970's). The book is packed with high quality color pictures and bring to life these ancient dynasties. Now, I would love to travel to those sites to see these discoveries in real life.

Yes, I was very pleased with the book and have purchased 2 more of the warriors (for myself) and I am now purchasing a 2nd book to give along with the earlier warriors I purchased as a gift.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fabulous pictures, September 13, 2009

By 

david m (austin tx) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Discoveries: Search for Ancient China (Discoveries (Harry Abrams)) (Paperback)

this is a great whirlwind introduction to ancient chinese cultural practices. But the best part is the pictures - hundreds in full color! It's really more of a picture book than anything else, but a great compliment to other, more in depth studies of ancient china