Traditional China in Asian and World History

Victor Mair and Tansen Sen have provided an account of China’s engagement with the Eurasian world around it that is succinct, accessible, and masterful. They demonstrate how—from their Neolithic origins through Zheng He’s fifteenth century voyages across maritime Asia—the Chinese were constantly interacting with their neighbors, through warfare, diplomacy, religious pilgrimages, trade, the accounts of travelers, and the translation of foreign books. These interactions, which are treated both topically and chronologically, are interwoven with a historical narrative and handsomely supported by illustrations, maps, translated travel accounts, and a glossary. This is a valuable addition to the literature on Chinese history in a global context.