Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents v
3. Maps vii
4. Figures viii
5. Introduction 1
6. 1 The Geography of North and South China 6
7. 2 The Rise of the Great Families 28
8. 3 Military Dynasticism 54
9. 4 Urban Transformation 86
10. 5 Rural Life 118
11. 6 China and the Outer World 144
12. 7 Redefining Kinship 170
13. 8 Daoism and Buddhism 196
14. 9 Writing 221
15. Conclusion 248
16. Dates and Dynasties 261
17. Pronunciation Guide 265
18. Notes 267
19. Bibliography 299
20. Acknowledgments 325
21. Index 327