The Empire of Min

Rutland, Vermont & Tokyo: Charles E Tuttle, 1954. 1st Edition 1st Printing. Hardcover. Very Good/Good. First edition, first printing. Hardback in dustwrapper. 24 × 16cm, 146pp. The period between the fall of the Tang dynasty in 907 and the establishment of the Song in 960 is often dismissed as a bleak chapter in Chinese history, a half-century of national disunity and anarchy. However, while it is true that the north during this time was continually ravaged by attacks from Khitans and Turks, the south enjoyed a time of peace, economic prosperity, and cultural growth. This engaging study by the eminent Sinologist Edward H. Schafer examines the so-called Empire of Min, centered in the coastal and semi-tropical present-day province of Fujian. Professor Schafer describes the geography, government, and political structure of Min, as well as its economy, arts, literature, and religion. As those familiar with the work of Professor Schafer might expect, the interesting economic and political issues of the day are made clear, and its colorful characters and their various machinations come alive. Condition: The book itself is in very good condition with clean pages and secure binding. The dustwrapper is tanned to the spine and with a 3.5cm area of loss to the base of the spine but is otherwise good and now within a protective sleeve and has not been price-clipped.