China's Golden Age: Everyday Life in the Tang Dynasty

If ancient Chinese history is more in your interest, I suggest reading this book. Benn does a thorough investigation of Tang Dynasty life, encompassing religion, household life, and the aristocracy. This is a must read if you find this era of Chinese history fascinating... I enjoyed his section about how the Daoist and Buddhist were constantly trying to lure people into their churches, and also how positions within the Buddhist church could be bought- and people think Catholics were bad!

A light, easy to read rendition of Tang history. Focuses on the everyday aspects of Tang society. The subject matter is neatly presented in chapters labeled Society; Cities and Urban Life; Clothes and Hygiene; Food and Feasts; or Leisure and Entertainment. I appreciated the book's drawings, especially of Tang hairstyles and clothing, which heavily influenced Japanese traditional clothing thereafter. Overall, a peek into Tang commoners' daily life is a refreshing change from usual history material. Unfortunately, I have to deduct 1 star here because the author, for unknown reason, kept referring to sixth Tang emperor Xuanzong by his anglicized moniker "Illustrious August", which casts a fortune cookie feel over an otherwise enjoyable read.

A very informative publication of life in the Tang dynasty. Well written (although sometimes meandering) and an easy read.