"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Many myths surround it - for example, that it is visible from space. Not true: it cannot even be seen from earth orbit. Estimates of its length vary from 1,500 to 5,000 miles. Even its name is deceptive – it is not in fact a single entity, but many walls (hence the uncertain length), most of which are built not of stone but of earth. Different sections were built by different states and were first joined together in the third century BC, to counter the threat from nomadic barbarians from the north – a threat that was to menace China’s borders for almost 2,000 years.
In this riveting history John Man travels the entire length of the Great Wall and across over two millennia. In so doing, he finds a fascinating way into China’s remarkable and complex history, taking us from the country’s tribal past, through the war with the Mongols, right up to the modern day, when the Great Wall is once more a powerful emblem of the resurgent superpower.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The extraordinary story of China's wonder of the worldChina's Great Wall north of Beijing is one of the world's most famous sights. Millions every year climb the line of stone snaking over mountains. We all feel we know the Wall. But we are wrong. It is too big, too varied, too complex to be captured by a few images or a day-trip.Myths surround it. Many believe that the stone barrier marches across all China, that it has been in existence for over 2,000 years, and that it is the only man-made structure visible from the Moon. In fact, most of it is made of earth, and much of it is not there at all. It cannot even be seen from earth orbit, let alone the Moon. Estimates of its length vary from 1,500 to 5,000 miles. Even its name is deceptive - it is not an it, a single entity, but many walls (hence the uncertain length), built at different times.Yet behind the confusion are great simplicities. The many walls are united by two ideas - self-protection and unity - which go back to the First Emperor, who founded the nation in 221 BC. For 2,000 years, the Wall marked the border between China and nomadic peoples to the north and west. Mutual hostility inspired centuries of attacks, counter-attacks and Wall-building, until the northward spread of China in the 20th century made the Wall redundant.For this riveting account, John Man travelled the Wall from the far western deserts to the Pacific, exploring the grandest sections and many 'wild' ones. He is the first writer to describe two unknown walls in Mongolia. He covers two millennia of history, from the country's first unification to the present day, when the Great Wall, built and rebuilt over centuries of war, has become a symbol of tranquillity. Mutual hostility inspired centuries of attacks, counter-attacks and Wall-building, until the northward spread of China in the 20th century made the Wall redundant.For this riveting account, John Man travelled the Wall from the far western deserts to the Pacific, exploring the grandest sections and many 'wild' ones. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780553817683
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780553817683
Book Description Condition: New. pp. 411 Maps. Seller Inventory # 7428885
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 416 pages. 7.80x5.00x1.06 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __055381768X
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780553817683_new
Book Description Condition: New. 2009. Paperback. China's Great Wall north of Beijing is one of the world's most famous sights. For 2,000 years, the Wall marked the border between China and nomadic peoples to the north and west. The author covers two millennia of history, from the country's first unification onwards, when the Great Wall, built and rebuilt over centuries of war. Num Pages: 464 pages, ill. BIC Classification: 1FPC; HBJF. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 196 x 126 x 28. Weight in Grams: 344. . . . . . Seller Inventory # V9780553817683
Book Description Condition: New. 2009. Paperback. China's Great Wall north of Beijing is one of the world's most famous sights. For 2,000 years, the Wall marked the border between China and nomadic peoples to the north and west. The author covers two millennia of history, from the country's first unification onwards, when the Great Wall, built and rebuilt over centuries of war. Num Pages: 464 pages, ill. BIC Classification: 1FPC; HBJF. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 196 x 126 x 28. Weight in Grams: 344. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # V9780553817683
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The extraordinary story of China's wonder of the worldChina's Great Wall north of Beijing is one of the world's most famous sights. Millions every year climb the line of stone snaking over mountains. We all feel we know the Wall. But we are wrong. It is too big, too varied, too complex to be captured by a few images or a day-trip.Myths surround it. Many believe that the stone barrier marches across all China, that it has been in existence for over 2,000 years, and that it is the only man-made structure visible from the Moon. In fact, most of it is made of earth, and much of it is not there at all. It cannot even be seen from earth orbit, let alone the Moon. Estimates of its length vary from 1,500 to 5,000 miles. Even its name is deceptive - it is not an it, a single entity, but many walls (hence the uncertain length), built at different times.Yet behind the confusion are great simplicities. The many walls are united by two ideas - self-protection and unity - which go back to the First Emperor, who founded the nation in 221 BC. For 2,000 years, the Wall marked the border between China and nomadic peoples to the north and west. Mutual hostility inspired centuries of attacks, counter-attacks and Wall-building, until the northward spread of China in the 20th century made the Wall redundant.For this riveting account, John Man travelled the Wall from the far western deserts to the Pacific, exploring the grandest sections and many 'wild' ones. He is the first writer to describe two unknown walls in Mongolia. He covers two millennia of history, from the country's first unification to the present day, when the Great Wall, built and rebuilt over centuries of war, has become a symbol of tranquillity. Mutual hostility inspired centuries of attacks, counter-attacks and Wall-building, until the northward spread of China in the 20th century made the Wall redundant.For this riveting account, John Man travelled the Wall from the far western deserts to the Pacific, exploring the grandest sections and many 'wild' ones. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780553817683
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The extraordinary story of China's wonder of the worldChina's Great Wall north of Beijing is one of the world's most famous sights. Millions every year climb the line of stone snaking over mountains. We all feel we know the Wall. But we are wrong. It is too big, too varied, too complex to be captured by a few images or a day-trip.Myths surround it. Many believe that the stone barrier marches across all China, that it has been in existence for over 2,000 years, and that it is the only man-made structure visible from the Moon. In fact, most of it is made of earth, and much of it is not there at all. It cannot even be seen from earth orbit, let alone the Moon. Estimates of its length vary from 1,500 to 5,000 miles. Even its name is deceptive - it is not an it, a single entity, but many walls (hence the uncertain length), built at different times.Yet behind the confusion are great simplicities. The many walls are united by two ideas - self-protection and unity - which go back to the First Emperor, who founded the nation in 221 BC. For 2,000 years, the Wall marked the border between China and nomadic peoples to the north and west. Mutual hostility inspired centuries of attacks, counter-attacks and Wall-building, until the northward spread of China in the 20th century made the Wall redundant.For this riveting account, John Man travelled the Wall from the far western deserts to the Pacific, exploring the grandest sections and many 'wild' ones. He is the first writer to describe two unknown walls in Mongolia. He covers two millennia of history, from the country's first unification to the present day, when the Great Wall, built and rebuilt over centuries of war, has become a symbol of tranquillity. Mutual hostility inspired centuries of attacks, counter-attacks and Wall-building, until the northward spread of China in the 20th century made the Wall redundant.For this riveting account, John Man travelled the Wall from the far western deserts to the Pacific, exploring the grandest sections and many 'wild' ones. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780553817683