The Great Wall of China 221 BC-1644 AD (Fortress)
by Stephen Turnbull
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Book Summary Information
Author: Stephen TurnbullBrand: Osprey Publishing
Illustrator: Steve Noon
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-01-30
ISBN: 1846030048
Number of pages: 96
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9781846030048
- Condition: USED - GOOD
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Book Reviews of The Great Wall of China 221 BC-1644 AD (Fortress)
Book Review: Excellent summary of the Great Wall of China
Summary: 5 Stars
In 63 pages, Stephen Turnbull does an excellent job in tracing the development and history of the Great Wall of China. This book clearly explained how the concept of the Great Wall was a long term strategic consideration on the minds of every Chinese dynasty since the very first one, the Qin Dynasty. From Mr. Turnbull, the reader can clearly understand that it was the Chinese military's inablity to contest and control the nomadic tribes north of their borders the forced them to built these series of walls. The Chinese probably used the concept of mobile reserves to contest any raiding parties much like the Romans did at the Hadrian Wall. The case of major invasion, the wall was supposed to pin the enemy army until the main army can deal with them. That proves to be more tricky then reality.
The book also reflects how the "Great Wall" were built in spruge of sections and it wasn't until the Ming Dynasty that the wall we see today was built and completed. But as the author ironically states, just as the walls were completed, the Ming Dynasty fell to the new Manchu Dynasty who took over by simply walking through the Great Wall thanks to a traitor. Like in all lessons of history, the fortification is only good as the troops who manned it. Funny that the wall was built to prevent people like the Manchus from taking over and it utterly failed the first time it was tested.
The book comes well illustrated with maps, drawings and photos that proves not only useful to the text but also bring a pretty clear understanding to the subject. The author's command of the subject is pretty clear as he writes with clarity and understanding. This book should proves to be an excellent introduction to anyone who is interested in the Great Wall of China and should provides an excellent foundation for further study of the Great Wall of China if one should desire it.
Summary of The Great Wall of China 221 BC-1644 AD (Fortress)
The Great Wall of China is the most extensive and famous example of fortification in the world. Charting its development from construction in the 7th century BC through to the present day, this account reveals the true history of the wall, and explores the myths that surround it.Stretching over 4,000 miles, the Great Wall began as a collection of defensive walls built by the northern vassal states under the Chou dynasty. With the unification of China in 221 BC the walls were interlinked and extended to fight off the invaders from the North. The wall as it is seen today is almost entirely the result of major renovations that started with the founding of the Ming Dynasty in 1368 AD and took 200 years to complete.
Included are details of what it was like to live within the wall, the ideas behind the defensive systems, how it was garrisoned and patrolled, and a discussion of how effective it was against attack. Through extensive examination of both ancient and modern sources, color maps, artwork and photographs, this book illustrates why the wall is one of the great wonders of the world.
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