Imperial China: The Definitive Visual History

Imperial China: The Definitive Visual History traces the long history of China’s great dynasties, from the clans and legends of prehistory through to the last Qing emperor. Created as a collaboration between British and Chinese publishing houses, it presents imperial history through pivotal events, political forces and influential people.

Spanning more than 5,000 years, this visual guide features photography of art and artefacts, including images not previously seen outside China. Beginning with prehistory and early humans, it sets the scene for the arrival of China’s first dynasty and follows the development of emperor-led rule from the warring states onwards. Alongside the narrative, it includes features on historical figures, cultural achievements and philosophy, such as the rise of Confucianism and the silk and tea trades.

Key details

• Visual history of China’s imperial dynasties
• Covers more than 5,000 years, from prehistory to the Qing era
• Collaboration between British and Chinese publishing houses
• Includes photography of art and artefacts, with some images not previously seen outside China
• Explores pivotal events, political forces and powerful people

Synopsis

This comprehensive history follows China’s imperial age from its earliest origins to the fall of the Manchu Qing dynasty. It charts how the warring states period led to emperor-led dynasties and examines the empire’s flourishing and decline over two millennia, from the unifying first emperor of the Qin to the golden ages of Tang and Song. Features on key figures, cultural achievements and philosophy add further context to the events that shaped Chinese history and helped lay the foundations of the modern nation.