Barbarians and the Birth of Chinese Identity: The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms to the Yuan Dynasty (907-1368)

?An excellent introduction to the large trends of early Chinese history; ideal for those new to the subject.＂?School Library Journal (review of volume 1)

This latest volume in the Understanding China Through Comics series tells of the disintegration of the Tang Dynasty and of the founding of the Song Dynasty. It details the Song’s attempts to reinvigorate a flagging economy and government while defending against the invasion of China by the barbarians and by the Mongols led by Genghis Khan. An informative and accessible middle school history volume with solid details and engaging artwork.

Jing Liu is a Beijing-based designer and entrepreneur.