Soldiers of the Dragon: Chinese Armies 1500 BC-Ad 1840

This recent book from Osprey publishing is another in the series of previously published material from softcover now being re-released in hardcover. This wonderful hardcover book is comprised of the following previously individual books: Men At Arms 218: Ancient Chinese Armies 1500-200 BC Men At Arms 284: Imperial Chinese Armies (1) 200 BC-AD 589 Men At Arms 295: Imperial Chinese Armies (2) 590 - 1260 AD Men At Arms 251: Medieval Chinese Armies 1260 - 1520 AD Men At Arms 307: Late Imperial Armies 1520 - 1840 AD This listing above is the exact table of contents for this magnificient book, all being written by C. J. Peers, an author who "studied Oriental history at Cambridge University and is now an acknowledged expert on ancient Chinese armies". While reading another reviewer's opinion that some of Mr. Peers' books are suitable for the lay reader and not the academic may be true, this particular book is more than adequate for someone such as myself not well versed in Chinese military subjects. And for me that is part of its value, it gives me more than I will ever need to know concering this subject. One book does it! As with every recent oversized book from Osprey, included as standard are maps, illustrations, pictures, paintings, and a very good chronology; and for a book of only 248 pages, it is a real treat for any reader's eye and mind. As I've stated before when reviewing both THE NORMANS AND THE VIKINGS from Osprey, someone at that publishing house is very wise; wise in reissuing previously published softcover material into a more durable hardcover edition. If a reader has any interest in the subjects covered by these reprints, be it B-17s, U-Boats, Normans, Vikings, and now, Chinese armies, no better books at an afforable price exist. Anywhere. At any price! Recommended. Semper Fi.