Imperial Chinese Armies : 200 BC-589 AD (Men-At-Arms Series, 284) [Paperback]

C.J. Peers (Author), Michael Perry (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: July 17, 1995

After AD 304 the five 'barbarian' tribes divided north China among themselves, setting up dynasties which were often Chinese only in name, and feuding constantly both with each other and with the native states, whose stronghold was now in the south. It was under this barbarian influence that the heavily-armoured cavalry which were to become the striking force of the great T'ang dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries first developed. In a knowledgeable text complemented by numerous illustrations, this book explores the history, weaponry, tactics and organisation of medieval Chinese armies between 200 BC and AD 589.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

An acknowledged expert on ancient Chinese armies, CJ Peers has written several books on this subject for Osprey’s Men-at-Arms series, including Men-at-Arms 218: Ancient Chinese Armies 1500–200 BC and Men-at-Arms 251: Medieval Chinese Armies 1260–1520.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (July 17, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855325144
• ISBN-13: 978-1855325142
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.1 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,211,456 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Early Imperial Armies, February 9, 2008

By 

K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Imperial Chinese Armies : 200 BC-589 AD (Men-At-Arms Series, 284) (Paperback)

This title looks at the campaigns, soldiers, and weaponry of a colorful period in Chinese history, from the reunification of China by Kao-ti to the fall of Ch'en and another reunification of China under Yang Chien. This exciting and bloody period in history watched the rise, decline, and fall of the Han Dynasty, and a number of barbarian invasions not unlike those taking place in contemporary Europe. Among these barbarians were the Hsiung-nu, a steppe people some believe to have been the ancestors of the Huns.

The author takes a look at some vital aspects of the early Imperial armies, such as the influence of the barbarian tribes on equipment and tactics (he shows how 'cataphract' heavy cavalry spread not only westwards from the steppes but east into China as well). He also takes a fairly deep look at the grand political and military aspects of ancient China, showing how Chinese history in this period is not as simple as one dynasty being overcome, leading to several years of civil war before another ambitious young warlord founded his own dynasty, only to repeat the cycle several centuries later.

The author divides the military history of China in this period into several parts, each being discussed individually. Weapons, battle tactics, recruitment, and military thought are all profiled as well. The color plates by Michael Perry support the text well, and are of high quality. Plate 'C' is my favorite; it shows a Han lancer about to kill a Hsiung-nu horse archer.

Overall, this book is a valuable source on the armies of the Han and Sung Dynasties of ancient China, and of their barbarian neighbors, and makes an interesting and informable read.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hmmm..., August 11, 1999

By 

H. Lim (Carlingford, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Imperial Chinese Armies : 200 BC-589 AD (Men-At-Arms Series, 284) (Paperback)

Something annoys me about this book, as with many other of Chris Peer's books. I think it is the way he only uses sources available in Britain. I am Chinese, and I'm afraid I don't really respect the few bits of "evidence" that get to the British Museum. Why not Hong Kong or Beijing museum!! Apart from that minor flaw, I think this book is still very good, with convincing though sometimes ugly illustrations backed up with interesting info. Just don't expect any obscure ancient sources to be cited.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Pictures and concise information, March 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Imperial Chinese Armies : 200 BC-589 AD (Men-At-Arms Series, 284) (Paperback)

Lets face it there just aren't that many books on Imperial China during the period between 200BC and 589AD that combined good information, pictures and details. Well this book could be considered a coffee table book since it doesn't delve into the period much. However it does provide a good overview of the main events of the time period in China through various short essays, provides a good number of black and white photographs and eight pages of colored prints showing you what the armor probably looked like.

If your interested in the era and the armies of china then this is not a bad way to start. If you wanted stories and battles then you might want to look elsewhere but a true sinophile should have a copy of this on in their library.