Volume 6 of the 6-part Library set, Living in Early China & Japan covers the periods from 500 BC to AD 1500 in general history, but the text concentrates primarily on ‘ideal’ periods set in T’ang China and medieval Japan (AD 600–1300). The book examines all the aspects of daily life across the strata of Chinese and Japanese society, from warlord to peasant farmer; from food to religious beliefs. While the lives of soldiers and samurai are discussed, it is from the warrior’s point of view, and there is little emphasis on the campaigns and wars of the period. Life in the Chinese ‘colonies’ of the Taklimakan and Annam is also covered.
Every page is packed with photographs, reconstructions, cutaways and lively illustrations from the hand of leading international artist Oliver Frey. Cross references work both within the volume and across the range of titles within the Library Set to provide a lively history for students aged between 10–13 years.
About the consultant editor
Norman Bancroft Hunt is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning People of the Totem and Warriors, as well as the 10-volume Encyclopedia of Native America and Historical Atlas of Ancient Mesopotamia. A doctor in historical and theoretical studies and a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Society, Bancroft Hunt lectures on visual theory at the Kent Institute of Art & Design, England.
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1 — China: A Nation Apart
- Land of Plenty
- The Peasant Family
- The Roles of Women
- Children in the Chinese Family
- Chinese Festivals
- Ghosts & Dragons
- Living & Dead
- Chapter 2 — Order, Invention, and Industry
- The Three Doctrines – Confucianism / Taoism / Buddhism
- Medicine & Doctors
- Chinese Inventions & Crafts
- Chapter 3 — A Life of Industry
- Life in the City
- The Imperial Court
- The Imperial Army
- Largest City in the World – Hangzhou
- Trade & Shipping
- Chapter 4 — Japan – An Island Empire
- Japanese history in brief / the Samurai code / Japanese religion
- Chapter 5 — A Trip to the Capital
- The Wayside Inn
- On the Tokaido Road
- Crossing the Tama River
- A Middle Class Home
- Kyohasi, the Craft Town
- Law & Order
- The Floating World
- Shiba, the Great Port
- Glossary and Index