This biography of the ancient Chinese ruler delves into his life and times, chronicling his immortal achievements and reconsidering his legacy. Unifier or destroyer, lawmaker or tyrant? China’s First Emperor (258–210 BC) has been the subject of debate for over 2,000 years. He gave us the name by which China is known in the West and, by his unification or elimination of six states, he created imperial China. He stressed the rule of law but suppressed all opposition, burning books and burying scholars alive. His military achievements are reflected in the astonishing terracotta soldiers—an astonishing army of statues buried with the emperor. And his Great Wall still fascinates the world. Despite his achievements, however, the First Emperor has been vilified since his death. China’s First Emperor and His Terracotta Warriors describes his life and times and reflects the historical arguments over the real founder of China and one of the most important men in Chinese history.

The rise of Qin and the military conquest of the warring states -- The First Emperor and the Qin empire -- Imperial tours and mountain inscriptions -- The First Emperor's tomb: the afterlife universe -- A two-thousand-year-old underground empire.

In 1974, near Xi'an in central China, villagers chanced upon what has become one of the world's most astonishing archaeological finds--an 8,000-man army in battle-ready formation, each warrior a life-size figure in pottery made over 2,200 years ago.

"With contributions from leading scholars, this fully illustrated catalogue represents a panoramic view of Qin artistic, military, and administrative achievements under the powerful First Emperor, who unified China in 221 BCE. In addition, it examines the period of Chinese history preceding the emperor's reign and the role of earlier Qin rulers in the evolution of a small state into a superpower."--Provided by publisher.

"This catalog accompanies the exhibition Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China, organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts"--

The Terra Cotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. Over seven thousand life-size figures of warriors and horses were interred in the mausoleum of the first emperor of China—and each figure was individually carved. Weaving together history and a first-hand account of his experiences in China, John Man tells the fascinating story of how and why these astonishing figures were created in the third century BC, and how they have become a symbol of China's history, culture, and society.

"Provides fascinating and highly-detailed photographs from the terracotta army site in Xi'an. Discusses significance of warrior dress, stance, and layout adjacent to the tomb itself. Hundreds of full-color photos. One of the best books available on the terracotta warriors."

A vast army of over 7000 terracotta statues of soldiers surrounds the tomb of the first emperor of the Qin dynasty in the Shannix province in northwestern China. This book answers many of the questions that have intrigued travelers, archeologists, and students of Chinese culture since the site was discovered in 1974.

"The tomb of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, is guarded by an army of more than 6,000 life-size terracotta warriors. Doubtless many untold treasures and secrets are sealed in the unopened burial chamber, and perhaps a deadly river of mercury, too. Young archaeologists will delight in learning about this famous ruler and his quest for eternal life. They'll find out how the latest technology is being used to reveal more about the tomb's contents while preserving its artifacts. Beautifully vivid photographs complement the intriguing text, while a timeline aids in summarizing key historical details."