Description
Legendarily 2,200 years old and 4,300 miles long, China's Great Wall seems to be a confident physical statement made by an advanced civilization, anxious to draw a line between itself and the 'barbarians' at its borders. But behind the Wall's intimidating exterior, and the myths that have built up around it, lies a history far more fragmented and far less illustrious than its crowds of modern-day tourists might imagine.
In this epic history exploring the conquests and cataclysms of the Chinese empire over the past 3,000 years, Julia Lovell restores a human dimension to this astonishing structure: examining the emperors who planned new phases of building; the people who constructed, lived and guarded the walls; and the millions who died - of overwork, starvation, cold and combat. The Great Wall is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand China's past, present and future.
Now in paperback, Julia Lovell's brilliant debut tackles the history of China -- and its relationship with the wider world - through the dramatic story of its most famous landmark: 'brilliant and ambitious.' Robert McCrum, Observer
About the Author
Julia Lovell was born in 1975 and teaches Chinese history and literature at the University of Cambridge. She has recently translated the prize-winning Chinese novel, A Dictionary of Maqiao. She writes on China for The Times, Guardian, Economist and TLS.
Reviews
Fascinating... From the book's title, one expects a history of the Great Wall, and in that Lovell does not disappoint. But she delivers much, much more.Guardian * Guardian *
An exhilarating tale. Lovell's sweep and style propels the story along at a rapid clip, managing to be both erudite and racy at the same time.Financial Times * Financial Times *
An excellent, fluent history of northern China... intriguing. Observer * Observer *
Book Information
ISBN 9781843542155
Author Julia Lovell
Format Paperback
Page Count 432
Imprint Atlantic Books
Publisher Atlantic Books
Weight(grams) 410g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 130mm * 31mm