Antiquities

Reviews

I ordered this book so I could read about the terracotta warriors prior to visiting the exhibit currently at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA. The other reviews are really what sold me on the book - especially the review by B. Evans. I ordered the book July 31 (Sunday) and paid for shipping so I could receive it prior to my museum visit August 7. I expected it to arrive the 6th but it arrived on the 4th! I was very pleased with the fast service. I was astounded when I saw the book. It surpassed the reviews by far. It's gorgeous! There's so much background information and the writing style is excellent and the photos are superb. If you have an opportunity to see an exhibit, please go! But first - buy this book! I'm so glad I'd read the background information (I skimmed a lot - there's a lot of information!) and looked at the very detailed photos prior to my visit. It made it so much more enjoyable (there's an audio guide and great written plaques at the museum but I liked knowing all that information beforehand). I also appreciate the photos even more now because the museum has low lighting and that makes a difference when you're over 50! Seeing the warriors in person is a great experience - but having this book is even better because the details are sharper and you get a vast amount of information. The exhibit had the 2 chariots with horses and so many of the warriors and animals that are featured in the book that you have your own museum tour right there in the book. I almost bought a book that featured a large fold-out of the warriors lined up in the pit. I saw that book in the museum and looked at the fold-out (and another fold-out was placed on the wall). The photography was inferior to the photography in this book. I looked at all the books the museum had and was thrilled with this book. It's really the best. So thank you to the first 3 reviewers! You sold me and I'm grateful! One thing no one mentioned was the quality of the paper in this book. That struck me immediately. It has very high quality, glossy paper which makes it easy to read and makes the photographs stand out. With tax and shipping, it came to $41.79 and is worth so much more than that.

I bought the book for the friend to give as a gift. I thought she had given it for Valentine's Day, but here's what she said when I asked her for a review: I didn't give it to him - I decided to wait til his b-day in Nov but yes, the book is excellent - exactly what he wants - the pictures are beyond excellent and extremely detailed - it's an excellent book!

I bought THE ETERNAL ARMY to learn more about its discovery, the reason for its creation, and above all, for its many incredibly stunning/revealing photographs. So closely are the soldiers shown, for example, that one can clearly see the different facial expressions of each. But I was even more amazed by how detailed and different the backs of their heads are, especially the ones with braided hair. And that each soldier's armor is made up of a myriad plates absolutely astonished me. In addition to the famous soldiers and bronze chariots (also shown in incredible detail), the camera treats the reader to close-ups of the chariot driver, archers, functuaries and the scantily clad figures now thought to perhaps be gymnasts or wrestlers "ready to engage in an exercise of martial arts." Shown too are many artifacts, such as bronze birds, that were found along with the army. But perhaps most mind-boggling of all are the photographs of finds yet to be reassembled, for they attest to how monumental the task has been to excavate and restore but a fraction of the emperor's army. Had the above, including the fascinating information about the army, been all that was in this book, I still would have gladly spent every dollar I did to purchase two copies. But much to my amazement, there was even more: approximately 90 pages of background about ancient China and the Qin empire--pages laced with stunning photographs of related artifacts and watercolors, pages so interesting that I learned much about a period that I'd had absolutely no interest in. And as an added bonus, the entire book is written in prose not the least bit pedantic. For these reasons, there are neither superlatives nor stars enough to convey how highly I recommend this book. --B. Evans, 12/11/07

The striking feature of this book is its inclusion of unusually large photos of close-ups of some individual soldiers. Two individual chariots, in addition, receive in-depth illustration of various aspects. If you really want to have a taste of what it feels when seeing as different each of the soldiers' faces, you will never be disappointed with this book in hand. Several historical incidents that happened in this period also attract elaboration from this book. How the Emperor burnt thousands of scholars and books in order to take control of people's mind, is something that is explained through a model of the scene by the authors. At the end of the book, the authors also explain how they, with the help of the Chinese officials, took the photos, with equipment weighing over 1000 pounds. In the middle of the book the authors also attempt to delineate the long tradition of the Chinese philosophical thought as expressed in different schools, that preceded the rule of the Emperor over the unified China, which lasted only for 15 years! While the discussion of the philosophical thoughts might not be deep enough, I guess the readers who are interested in this book would not count this as any issue. For overall each of the faces of the soldiers that feature in the photos already tell thousands of different stories, given the reader's own imagination. I would recommend this book as a highly collectible gem!

Reviews

The Silk Road has become to Xinjiang as the Great Wall is to China. The first foreigners to cross this important set of trade routes were kindly referred to as merchants but around the turn of the century another group of foreigners would step foot here and be labeled devils. The individual accounts of these daring explorers have long since been out of print but the tales of their adventures have been preserved in a book that makes Xinjiang's buried history as intriguing as a stroll along the Great Wall. Foreign Devils on the Silk Road is not a new book and its cover isn't flashy, but it still retains a prominent position on my bookshelf. At last I found a book based in Xinjiang that has nothing to do with ethnic tension or government policies, primarily because the People's Republic of China had not yet been founded. Peter Hopkirk, a Chief Reporter for the London Times for five years, leads his readers through the exploits of six primary explorers and archeologists... Read the rest of the review at: [...]

I'll keep it simple. I read the book and ended up in the Xingiang province visiting all the Buddhist Caves that Hopkirk so convincingly talks about. Art, adventure and geo-politics are the hallmark of this writing. I salute you Sir!

Seldom does one encounter history, politics, archaeology and high adventure combined in such an entertaining non-fiction book as "Foreign Devils on the Silk Road". For readers, such as myself, with only the slightest acquaintence with Central Asian exploration, this book provided an entry point into a whole new realm of fascinating narratives. I had not even finished the book before I found myself ordering Sven Hedin and Aurel Stein's original accounts while seeking out others. Hopkirk's overview of the intrigue and history behind these early explorations makes for a real page turner seldom matched in fiction. The opening comments from contemporary travelers concerning the abyss of desolation which is the Taklamakan at once repel and attract the reader to this forbidding zone. Like another reviewer, I found myself plotting some way to visit this terrifying landscape myself. Veteran desert trekkers' remarks concerning how tame the Sahara and Arabian deserts were in comparison to the Taklamakan seem to dare the reader to venture there. Even after reading Sven Hedin's excruciatingly detailed first hand account of his near fatal first expedition there, the allure grows more insistent. What Hopkirk does in "Foreign Devils" is to give a birds eye view of Central Asian exploration and place it into the perspective of the ebb and flow of empires in the tapestry of time. However, he does focus just enough on specific incidents to give this panoramic survey the flavor of high adventure typically found only in the adventurous imaginings of writers such as H. Rider Haggard, Talbot Mundy and Rudyard Kipling. Manhunts for murderers in the bazaars of obscure desert outposts, native spies disguised as wandering box wallahs and the quest for Hedin's stolen revolver are sprinkled throughout "Foreign Devils" giving a delightful penny dreadful spice to what could have easily been another dull recitation of historical facts. Hopkirk's inclusion of the many legends surrounding the haunted ruins of buried cities sets a mythical tone for the gritty adventures of real life explorers who came from the West to extract the secrets and treasures from the surreal setting of this post-apocalyptic landscape. Science fiction writers are hard pressed to match such a setting. Hedin confirms the stories of phantom voices heard in wasteland and men following siren apparitions to their doom in the dunes. By contrast, it was rather disappointing to read Aurel Stein's comment that he found no evidence of tales of overnight burial of the lost cities which Islamic clerics touted as some sort of divine retribution on the part of a displeased deity. While Hopkirk does not shy away from the ethical considerations of what would be considered unabashed looting in this politically correct present age, he does manage to avoid the sanctimonious sermonizing so often indulged by archaeological writers today. In this regard there are some sharp ironies to be found in the fate which befell some of these purloined treasures. While Stein's herculean efforts removed a great many documents and artworks from further ravages of the elements to the stately sanctuaries of London, Albert Le Coq placed his treasures at ground zero for the Allied firebombings of WWII in Germany. Such Appointments in Samarra underscore the sense of fated doom which lingers pervasively throughout the narratives. Anyone drawn to this book is guaranteed to be hooked on further reading in this fascinating subject and I have no hesitation in giving "Foreign Devils on the Silk Road" a solid five stars.

I have a fascination both with Central Asia and with "real life Indiana Jones", of the last days of the age of exploration. This book is about both. It describes the various journeys, intrigues and jealousies of the various explorers searching for artifacts. These were the days of the Heroic Age of Archeology when this science had not quite become systemitized and brave men acting on their own initiative were still part of it. Not necessarily heroic in the sense of virtuous-the reader can judge that. But certainly heroic in the sense of brave and daring. It also, inevitably touches the sore point of the "artifacts controversy". It is in essence another example of the old conflict between "finders-keepers", and "original owner". It is most certainly a sore point and has left resentments but again the reader can form his own opinions about such things. All that aside, the book makes a good read. It tells of interesting characters and their experiences discovering Lost Cities in the wilderness in long journeys and quests. It tells of how the memory of the forgotten Silk Road was rediscovered and how knowledge long hidden was rediscovered. It gives stories not only of the seekers but they great things they found. It is a story worth reading.

I am not aware of any scholar more equipped to write on Central Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries than Peter Hopkirk, and happily his mastery of the sources is matched by his engaging writing style. This is a history of the European "discovery" of the old Silk Road archaeological treasures around the Taklamakan desert, in western China, between 1890 and 1930. The tale centers on the giants of Central Asian archaeology: Sven Hedin, Aurel Stein, Albert von Le Coq, Paul Pelliot and Langdon Warner. Hopkirk addresses each in turn, providing biographical information and historical background for their explorations and discoveries. He also provides a historical introduction to the western Chinese portion of the silk road so the discoveries can be appreciated for their worth. As with any Hopkirk book, the narrative moves quickly and is highlighted by fascinating stories of astounding success, crushing defeat, mischievous skulduggery, and the whole-sale theft of priceless artistic and literary treasures. This book is appropriate for college students, but is accessible enough for the casual reader, and I strongly recommend it to both.

Reviews

John Man has produced an excellent introduction to the Terra Cotta Army of China's first emperor in this excellent book entitled "The Terra Cotta Army." For those out there who have the opportunity to view some of these artifacts for the first time in 2010. Man characterizes the 1974 discovery of the terra cotta army as the outstanding archeological discovery of the 20th century because it changed the perceptions of the short-lived, but important Qin dynasty and who is prepared to argue. Probably only the discovery of the Gnostic gospels or the tomb of Tutankhamun would come close to providing greater insight into the ancient world. The first Qin emperor was also the first emperor of China who unified the kingdoms of Qin, Zhao, Yan, Qi, Wei, Chu, and Han between 221-206 BC and established his capital on the Wei river in the city of Xianyang. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Qin emperor was the unification of China, albeit a China which consisted of what would be the eastern third of modern China. One real interesting narrative line n in the book is a discussion of the sources that are available on the Qin emperor. These are the histories of Sima Qian. These were written during the succeeding Han dynasty which really had no reason to promote the achievements of its predecessor. Sima Qian also appears to have used the Qin emperor (who was no sweetheart) as a means of expressing some of his anger at members of the Han dynasty (not an uncommon practice in the ancient world where literal truth always took a backseat to reader edification, Tacitus uses Tiberius to critique Domitian in the Annals). Along with the story of the Qin emperor and the machinations of the court, Man's exploration of Sima Qian, who is surely the Chinese Herodotus (though certainly not its Thucydides given his tendency to include the spiciest of stories no matter how improbable) In addition to the history, Man also provides a great deal of information on how the artifacts were discovered (peasants digging a well), their excavation and the subsequent construction of a world class museum in Xianyang. The book includes pictures, many in color showing what the terra cotta army would have looked like when it was originally deposited in the Qin emperor's tomb. They were a riot of color just like most of the ancient world. All of these details add up to outstanding insights into this fascinating discovery. I liked this book so much that when I discovered that Man had also written a book on China's other ancient landmark, the Great Wall, I immediately ordered it from Amazon. I am sure that if that book is only half as good as this one, it will be a delight.

John Man's book is a fun read. I purchased the book for my library to better understand The Terra Cotta Army and China's First Emperor (one of many books on China now in my library). Nonetheless this book was an essential read prior to my recent visit to the High Museum in Atlanta, GA to soak-up The Terra Cotta Army display. The book enhanced my initial impressions and understanding. It was worth every penny for the factual knowledge it imparted. The book provided geographic insight to the site of the First Emporor's tomb in Xian and the surrounding facilities. One of the more interesting aspects of the book was the account of the modern reproduction of the army in such a way as to give the book reader an cleaver idea of how the ancient Chinese may have produced such a wonder thousnads of years ago! The feat of the Terra Cotta Army production in ancient times combined with the vast unknown treasurers still to be explored are certainly mind-boggling! This book makes one think. Bottomline: Good book, fun read, provided insight.

Author John Man, whose books are reflective of someone in love with history, has given readers a real treat, in his well written book "The Terra Cotta Army: China's First Emperor and the Birth of a Nation". He presents a close-up and almost personal look at something which has intrigued the world since its discovery in 1974. Reading about the this historic discovery, with its life-size statues of warriors and horses, makes any armchair archaeologist feel like Indian Jones. It stirs the imagination of the reader. I consider any book a good read that allows me to continue my daydreaming about it long after having put the book down. This book will ignite that kind of inner adventure with readers! I found the accompanying photos to be a wonderful addition to the written accounting. After reading this book, I would now love to go see the real thing. John Man has a way of making history seem like a novel. He captures the most important elements of the facts and uses just enough verbiage to give you a a full understanding without drowning you in data and details like so many historians and writers do. This is a fun to read book and not a text book! This book , like all of John Man's books is a FIVE STAR Blockbuster! It is that good. Go buy a copy!

I had opportunity to attend the Terra Cotta Army exhibit at the Bower Museum, Santa Ana, California. I purchased this book on Amazon where it was discounted. Let me first comment that it might help if you read this book first before seeing the exhibit. The photographs are excellent and show much of what you will see at the exhibit. Unfortunately the text is rather uneven. On the positive side the beginning of the book, Part one which covers the discovery of the ARMY reads well as does the current state of restoration which ends the book as Part three. However, the history lesson in Part two of the book is dull and lifeless and it was my impression that Mr. Man just dictated and rambled through this section. When he devotes several pages to the film THE EMPEROR AND THE ASSASSIN or uses lines referencing the reader to having seen OFFICER AND GENTELMAN you know you're in for tour guide writing 101. I did learn a lot, and recommend the book mainly as a tour guide introduction to the exhibit traveling the US this year. Otherwise, buy it for the photographs and read Parts one and three.