The Terra Cotta Army: China's First Emperor and the Birth of a Nation
The Terra Cotta Army: China's First Emperor and the Birth of a Nation by John Man explores the discovery and history of the figures buried in the first emperor of China's mausoleum. It combines historical narrative with the author's account of his experiences in China.
At a glance
- Covers the creation, discovery, and history of the terracotta warriors and horses associated with China's first emperor.
- Combines historical discussion with the author's reported first-hand experiences in China.
- The listing describes more than seven thousand life-size figures, each individually carved.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Focuses on a specific archaeological discovery while linking it to China's history and culture.
- Includes both historical narrative and the author's reported experiences in China.
- Kindle listing indicates screen-reader support and enhanced typesetting.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Publisher | Grand Central Publishing |
|---|---|
| Publication date | March 5, 2009 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 308 pages |
| File size | 4.3 MB |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0786732067 |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
|---|---|
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Page Flip | Enabled |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in the Terracotta Army, ancient China, or archaeological discoveries.
- Readers who want historical context alongside an author's account of travel in China.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a uniformly brisk narrative, as customer feedback reports mixed experiences with readability.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
61% 61% - 4 stars
24% 24% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
7% 7% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback praises the book's coverage of the Terracotta Army and this period of Chinese history, while readability is described as mixed: some find it interesting and others find parts tedious. That distinction matters for readers choosing between a focused historical account and a consistently brisk read. The overall rating distribution leans positive but also includes lower ratings, which cannot establish why individual readers responded as they did.
Positive themes
- Customers particularly appreciate the book's historical content about the Terracotta Army.
Mixed feedback
- Readability draws differing reactions, with some finding the book interesting and others describing parts as tedious.
Frequently asked questions
What is this book about?
It recounts the discovery and history of the Terracotta Army and discusses how the figures were created and came to represent Chinese history, culture, and society.
Does the book include the author's experiences in China?
Yes. The description says John Man combines historical material with an account of his experiences in China.
What reading features are listed for the Kindle edition?
Screen Reader is supported, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, and Page Flip are enabled, and X-Ray is not enabled.
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