China is the oldest continuous civilization on earth and holds a unique global place in the 21st century, this books uniquely wide focus shows what makes it such a special country, with topics stretching from the natural wonders including mountains and rivers to the Silk Road, the technological innovations of printing and the compass and the modern vibrant cities of today as well as famous monuments such as the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Great Wall. In this new and updated edition, a team of leading scholars from Asia and the West provide an unmatched account of this vast country. Beyond the quality of the individual entries, The Great Wonders of China provides an unmatched account of Chinese history and culture as well as an essential contribution to understanding and appreciating this ancient land.

A complete and essential overview of China's marvels in all areas, from the natural world to inventions to artistic and architectural achievements. As China emerges as a great world economic power, this book shows what makes it such a special country and civilization, with topics ranging from the natural wonders of mountains and rivers to the Silk Road, from the arts and great monuments of the past to the booming cities of today. China's artistic achievements are unparalleled in scope. Calligraphy, jade, silk, ceramics, lacquer work, paintings, bronzes, furniture, and gardens are dealt with in highly expert but succinct entries. Monuments like the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Great Wall are celebrated around the world, but the book also presents lesser-known yet breathtaking buildings, palaces, tombs, and monasteries. The marvels of China touch on everyday life too. The Chinese invented gunpowder, paper, printing, and the compass, as well as such objects as umbrellas and playing cards. China's food is also celebrated in these pages in all its diversity, as is the heritage of the imperial system that ruled the Middle Kingdom for more than two thousand years. The individual entries are written by experts from leading academic institutions in Asia and the West, including Robert Ash, Fucshia Dunlop, Alison Hardie, Erling Hoh, Ronald Knapp, Vivienne Lo, Victor Mair, Shane McCausland, Carol Michaelson, Ann Paludan, Lei-Lei Qu, Nathan Sivin, Nancy Steinhardt, Shelagh Vainker, Frances Wood, Ni Yibin, and Zhang Yinglan. 320 illustrations, 250 in color.

The Great Wall of China spans more than 10,000 miles! It was built over many centuries, and it remains one of the world’s most famous landmarks today. This title for young readers explores the Great Wall’s original purpose, how it was built, and how it’s used today. Leveled text and fascinating photos bring the structure to life, while a map, a timeline, a comparison graphic, and a pop culture connection offer additional information about each structure.

China has more varied habitats for wildlife than anywhere else on the planet. But above all, China is a place of 1.3 billion people, most of whom still live in the countryside. This work explores the length and breadth of one of the world's most spectacular and mysterious countries.

Take a new look at ancient history through the seven wonders of a geographical or cultural region. Each book in this series explains the qualities that makes something a 'wonder', with information about how the wonders were constructed, how they were discovered or preserved, how they are studied, and if and how they are used in modern times.

China is a country rich in bio-diversity that boasts gorgeous natural landscapes and wildlife, many unique to its land. Award winning nature photographer Xi Zhinong spent 30 years taking photos along rivers and across mountains, capturing the animals and natural wonders of China. Through his lens, a Yunnan snub-nosed monkey can be seen jumping between trees with her baby in her arms; thousands of Tibetan antelopes migrate in the wind and snow; and a takin, or gnu goat, couple is caught sharing a kiss atop a mountain ridge. Wildlife Wonders of China will lead you to the vast territory of China through photos, from the roof of the world—the Tibetan Plateau—to dry western China and the moist eastern lands influenced by monsoons. Gain insight into the changing environment in China, and be enchanted by the unique and beautiful animals living there.

'An important and timely book.' - Philippa Gregory Joan of Navarre was the richest woman in the land, at a time when war-torn England was penniless. Eleanor Cobham was the wife of a weak king's uncle – and her husband was about to fall from grace. Jacquetta Woodville was a personal enemy of Warwick the Kingmaker, who was about to take his revenge. Elizabeth Woodville was the widowed mother of a child king, fighting Richard III for her children's lives. In Royal Witches, Gemma Hollman explores the lives of these four unique women, looking at how rumours of witchcraft brought them to their knees in a time when superstition and suspicion was rife.