In terms of the usual pageants of princes and death, Ms Ebrey synthesises quite successfully major themes of history (or at least those in which I am most interested currently) without becoming bogged down in details. For example, the sections on southward expansion of the Empire during the Song Dynasty, its economic and industrial development and the relevance of this to nation building are all excellent summaries.

It would be easy - and probably unfair - to criticise a work such as this for what is omitted or for which subjects of particular interest to the reader might have been developed more. Readers who do wish for more information are provided with a section on further reading which should be sufficient to meet most needs.

Finally, the book is illustrated throughout and the numerous photographs, maps and reproductions are nicely chosen and add to the text.

I would certainly recommend this book.