This two-thousand year history of the nomadic tribes is drawn from a wide range of sources and told with unprecedented clarity and pace. The author shows that to describe the tribes as barbaric is seriously to underestimate their complexity and underlying social stability. He argues that their relationship with the Chinese was as much symbiotic as parasitic and that they understood their dependence on a strong and settled Chinese state. He makes sense of the apparently random rise and fall of these mysterious, obscure and fascinating nomad confederacies.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
"Barfield's significant and demanding book brings to a general audience a challenging new interpretation of relations between China and her northern neighbours ... provocative and persuasive ... Highly recommended." Choice
"Barfield's study is rich and provocative." Graham E. Johnson, University of British Columbia
"A welcome addition to the literature on the relations between Central Asian empires and China in premodern times. Thomas J. Barfield provides us with stimulating interpretations." American Historical Review
"Excellent study of Chinese-nomadic relations. Weaves a fascinating and detailed tapestry. This excellent work awakens the reader to another level affected by the emerging world system in the nineteenth century." The International History Review
"The appearance in paperback of this book is welcome. Breaking moulds." Asian Affairs
"Fine study. A most welcome addition to the literature." Bulletin School of Oriental and African Studies
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 3.00
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # newMercantile_1557863245
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_1557863245
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover1557863245
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard1557863245
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 798908-n
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think1557863245
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9781557863249
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 79dba36e6531a4e208d85566631eaa9e
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9781557863249_new
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. As is an anthropologist, Barfield succeeds in testing abstract models of society against the detailed historical recordThe author has an accessible, narrative style. . Seller Inventory # B9781557863249