title: Treasures of China: The Glories of the Kingdom of the Dragon
author: John Chinnery
description: China, "the only ancient civilization to have survived up to the present day," represents a massive undertaking for historians; fortunately, this consideration and celebration of Chinese art from Scottish historian Chinnery, beginning in the Neolithic era and ending just before the 20th Century, is a wholly worthwhile effort. Some of the oldest pieces are the most fascinating, including a detailed hair ornament carved out of jade with a turquoise inlay, believed to date from 2000 BCE. Another highlight is the Terracotta Army, 6,000 life-sized clay soldiers built to protect China's first emporer, Shihuangdi, in the afterlife. Though concerned primarily with art, captured in more than 170 striking color images, this volume also provides a remarkably concise but thorough account of general Chinese history; also noted are important moments in fashion and literature (the Chinese translation of the Buddhist text Diamond Sutra, from 868 CE, is the world's oldest printed book). Also discussed at length is the Chinese language, an art form in itself and "the world's oldest writing system still in use." This beautiful volume should fascinate anyone with an interest in Far East history and art. <br />Copyright  Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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  # The Emperor’s Mirror
  
  By Emily Holloway and Amanda Crowe
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  # Prologue
  
  The dragon that guarded the Imperial family was one of the most magnificent to
  ever live in the ancient realm. Except for some hints of deep purple that
  matched his ruff and whiskers, his scales were a dark, burnished gold, as were
  his wings. Few people had ever seen him, but his legend had spread far and
  wide.
  
  It was believed that the Imperial family had been watched over by this dragon
  since time began, and he was both loyal and beloved. For generations, his only
  thought had been to protect the family he served.
  
  Then, slowly, things began to change.
  
  “Let me ask you something,” the prince said, leaning against the dragon’s
  side. The dragon had his own quarters, but was apt to lounge around in the
  courtyard in good weather. He preferred to spend his time basking in the sun
  whenever possible. The enormous flagstone courtyard had been designed with
  just this purpose in mind, and both the 