The book by American researcher Mark Edward Lewis is dedicated to the history of Ancient China during the imperial period of the powerful Qin and Han dynasties. The historian talks about the special role of Emperor Qin Shihuang, who united in 221 BC. e. disparate lands of China, and the formation of a single nation during the heyday of the Han Dynasty. The author analyzes the geographical features of the Great Chinese Plain that influenced the character of this eastern civilization, talks about life in cities and rural areas, explores religious views and art, as well as the justice system and family life of the ancient Chinese. An authoritative sinologist gives a comprehensive description of the era of the reign of the Qin and Han dynasties in the history of the Celestial Empire, when the foundation of the power of modern China was laid.