Imperial Chinese Armies (1): 200 BC-AD 589: v. 1 (Men-at-Arms)

The (short) book spends more time going through the history of the period rather than equipment and formations at the time but does tough on those subjects. The Chinese in the book is translated into Wade-Giles rather than Pinyin which might be jarring to those who are perhaps not already 'clued-up' into the period.Still a great book with reference to plenty of art and artefacts of the age. Lots of information which can't easily be found anywhere too!

This is a book for the specialist rather than light reading. It is astonishing how much information is crammed into it. The period, late Han to T'ang covers the ward between the various states and does its' best to recreate a coherent system of uniform, weaponry and organization from what evidence there is. I found the historical background particular useful

Was a gift and the recipient was pleased with it.

book was in very good order

This issue of excellent Men at Arms series deals with a topic until now barely treated at all - military history of Ancient China during the Western Han, Wang Mang usurpation, Eastern Han, the Three Kingdoms wars, the Jin dynasty short lived revival and then the grim, dark and bloody era of Northern and Southern dynasties. The fact that there is not much on this topic on the market is already a point in favor of the book.The text, although short, gives a great lot of information and a good overview of the events. Note however, that such a long and full of events period can be covered in such a short book only very superficially.Illustrations of archaeological findings are very impressive. Maps are less good - their aspect is quite crude and they are reduced to the simplest. Color plates are not very famous either. Ancient Chinese armies were extremely colorful and impressive, but you will not see it on the plates here. Details on the pictures are also badly made - overall impression is that the illustrator didn't give a damn about his work. An updated edition of this book with new artwork could be a good ideaStill I do not regret that I bought it - it was my point of departure for more readings on the topic.