Here is a clear and concise survey of Chinese history and culture that is sure to please. “Foundations of Chinese Civilization, Volume I” covers the Yellow Emperor to the Han Dynasty (2697 BCE – 220 CE). It is by Jing Liu, an artist and entrepreneur from Beijing, China, and published by Stone Bridge Press.
This 168-page trade paperback will prove to be one of the most handy primers you have come across. Adopting a comic book format, the art here is spare and to the point. The neat and orderly presentation of facts will truly win you over.
And it’s not just tidy facts we have here. There’s heart too. Jing Liu has thoughtfully condensed various concepts and ideas while striving to briefly articulate what is compelling about them. I love how Liu gradually builds up his presentation on Chinese philosophy. Dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046 – 256 BCE), the elites developed schools of thought. This led to six major schools, leaders emerged, such as Confucius (551 – 479 BCE). And a civilization continued to flourish.
“Foundations of Chinese Civilization: The Yellow Emperor to the Han Dynasty (2697 BCE – 220 CE)” is the first book in the five-volume Understanding China Through Comics series. For more details, visit Stone Bridge Press.
I’ve never seen a comic quite like this before.
I am very impressed with its ambitious scope.
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