As China's international status grows, its civilization excites an increasing interest in the outside world. This latest addition in the 'Legacy' series satisfies the demand for a general survey of what the world owes China in the major realms of the spirit and intellect. The first general account of Chinese civilization to give proper recognition to scientific and technological achievements, its new and more accurate perspective guarantees its place as a standard work which will be of interest both to scholar and layman.'

(Excerpt from inside cover)