Charles Holcombe

The period in chinese history which this book focuses on seems to be one which hasn't received very much attention before: the intermediate period between the han and tang dynasties. This book is not really a political history of that period, but a study of the educated "literati" social class which gained increasing influence during that period. Philosophy and the beginnings of the bureaucratic examination system take center stage. Although I had interest in this topic there was something show more about the author's style that made this book heavy to read. I don't think he argues in a particularly clear manner and somehow he often gets stuck on elaborating minor points while disregarding the big picture. So unfortunately I didn't learn much from this book. show less

Ngắn gọn, súc tích, dễ hiểu và khá khách quan.