This book reviews the history of China from the birth of the Chinese civilization to the demise of the Eastern Han Dynasty in 220 C.E., and puts this period in historical comparative context, with focus on important issues concerning China’s society and culture, including the formation of the state, the origin of written characters, bureaucratic structure, legal and political system, the Hundred Schools of Thought, the evolving nature of war, and the creation of empires.

The author is familiar with ancient scripts and materials, and has in-depth knowledge of the archaeological theory of the West. This book puts Chinese culture in a broad context, emphasizing its continuity and homogeneity. It combines the historical and archaeological perspectives.