Sanping Chen & Victor H. Mair 
Chinese Lives 
The People who Made a Civilization

This fully illustrated book tells the story of China through 96 short biographies. Expert authors have drawn on a huge range of sources to assemble information about the widest possible range of individuals from all periods and parts of China, from an early warrior lady of the 13th century BC, Fu Hao, to the late-20th-century Communist leader Deng Xiaoping. We see the range of Chinese cultural and scientific achievements, as well as its military conquests, wars, rebellions and political and philosophical movements, through the eyes of real people who created or were caught up by them. This colourful array of men and women includes emperors and empresses, officials and political figures, rebels, exiles, philosophers, writers and poets, artists, musicians, scientists, military leaders and committed pacifists. Their careers, achievements, misdeeds, disasters, punishments, ideas and love stories make this an unforgettable read. China is the most populous country on earth, with the longest history of any modern nation. It is clear that Chinas future as a political and economic world power will be as significant as its past, and its achievements still depend upon its people.