Great Ages of Man Ancient China Author:Edward H. Schafer The period covered extends from the Bronze-Age Shang Dynasty (c. 1500-1000 B.C.) through the early medieval T'ang Dynasty (618-907) A.D.). During this whole era, China remained the most civilized and most influential country in East Asia. At some periods, particularly under the T'ang Dynasty, it equaled and surpassed contemporary West civilizati... more »ons, especially in its standard of living and in the arts. These periods of greatness are chronicled here with the insight of a writer who has personally criticized their literature and analyzed their icons.« less