24 Hours in Ancient China

An interesting read that taught me so much about ancient China. I love these 24 hours in… books as you see the lives of ‘normal’ people in each place (Egypt, Rome, Athens and China) through each chapter. Highly recommended for any history buffs

24 glimpses of the lives of fairly ordinary people, rather than the politics of empire. There is no "story arc" and it is unsatisfactory as fiction, but a very interesting way of telling history. Despite the fictional framework, I didn't get a real sense of the "smell" of the places and time. Or, perhaps, ancient China was a very clean place ;-)

This was a book I was really keen to start due to my not knowing a great deal about ancient China and absolutely loving to learn about new aspects of ancient history. It was enjoyable, but felt like somewhat of a chore throughout.Compared to the previous book in the series (24 Hours in Ancient Athens) it is an improvement on the fact that it focuses on average people, which is the selling point, rather than famous people from the era (which Athens swore it wouldn't do then did anyway, because who needs to stick to their word when selling a product?)My main issue with this is that, for a two-hundred and thirty-two paged book, it felt VERY long. That should not be a thing. a book that is not even at the two-fifty mark should never feel long, but this one did. The chapters felt as though they had been padded out to add to the page count and it often felt like the people in the chapters were frequently explaining the same thing in two or three different ways or rambling about something not entirely connected. If a chapter was fifteen pages long, it probably never needed to be. I also felt that some of the characters were expanding upon certain bits of knowledge that, given their station in life, they might not have had a working knowledge of, but that's forgivable as without them we may not have been treated to a good overview of the certain topics being discussed.Buried beneath the padding is some very interesting information as far as the daily life of citizens in ancient China goes and I thoroughly enjoyed the meat of it. Whether its the innovation of farming techniques, how land was doled out, the methods of a stone mason or metal worker, it all hits that sweet spot as far as my interest is concerned. I just couldn't read it for long periods at a time as the author would seem to notice my enjoyment, then come along with the padding just to make sure I wasn't having too much fun. 'Ah, you enjoyed the explanation about how a fabric worker uses dyes? Excellent, I'll give you eight paragraphs on why that worker doesn't enjoy getting out of bed in the morning to impede that enjoyment'.Yay.So far, my overall opinion of this series is that it's very interesting, but seems to have some little speed bumps designed to annoy the reader. The ancient Roman book was perhaps my favourite as that didn't seem to suffer in the ways of the other books. I will certainly carry on buying any entry in this series as, the nuggets of historical gold are well worth sifting through the minor annoyances.

Like the other books in this series, this is social history at its most enjoyable. Twenty four characters are used as vehicles that show us how people lived their everyday lives at different levels of ancient society. All come across as real people as the author skillfully weaves the latest research into an account of one hour in each of their lives, giving us an insight into how they might have been thinking and feeling as well as acting. The short chapters carry the author's knowledge and learning lightly. If you know this series, you will enjoy this addition. If this is your first, read the others.

Instead of following just one or two characters in the ancient world, giving insight into their lives, here we are treated to two dozen citizens of Ancient China. We see their jobs, their homes, their families and their problems during an hour of the day (or night) in which they are busily occupied.Midwives, grave (tomb) robbers, craftsmen, a whole range of men and women take their turn upon the stage as we see what everyday life might have been like two centuries ago.The point that hit home with me was that China was so ADVANCED... their structures, technology, and above all else - a writing system - incredible compared to the rest of the globe at the time. By itself, a piece of writing left behind by a doctor, documenting cases, treatments - stunning foresight and professional behaviour! And how useful to have these kinds of information.I quite liked listening to this, rather than reading a paper copy, it helped the stories feel more personal and present. The voice worked well for both genders and it was not hard to follow, chapter by chapter.What a great idea for a series, a collection of personal accounts, snippets and lives of ordinary people at hours that mean something to them. Fresh and definitely something I'd want to delve into more, both for this time period and others.With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.

Loved this book ,the price should be higher .the author has done a few books on different cultures.and all I can say I have enjoyed everyone of them.during reading this book,you notice that these people are so like you and me ,the same dramas ,the same hopes for the future,and hopes for their family's.The only bit I felt really sad ,was the bit on horses ,and the horse groom man ,the author ,express his pain ,and as an animal lover ,I hated the way they were treated ,the wee man looking after them loved them as his own kids.you will not go wrong with this book ,very good .more please please.

The 24 hours series is a great idea but 24 hours in ancient China does not work for me. It is a series of abrupt, disconnected, stories, not entertaining and I didn’t learn much. A shame, as the 24 hour concept is such a good one. 24 hours in Ancient Rome is so much better - where the story of each hour flows into the next one. Try Rome. It’s much better!

This book series (there are others on Greece, Egypt and Rome) are based on an intriguing premise, but essentially fail to deliver in depth of content. The 24 cameos are often woven around very few concrete or very interesting facts and provide very little additional insights to what is already generally known. However there are enough “gems” of ephemera to make these good bedside books.

I'm obsessed with this series of the ancient world. China is no different! The different perspectives are blended creatively together to create a unique narrative of lifestyles throughout the Chinese empire. It's easy to read, thoroughly enjoyable, and provides a wealth of information on different technologies and practices that changed the Chinese world.

"24 Hours in Ancient China" is a well detailed and researched account of a day in history. Suitable for a student or as entertainment for a general reader this book is sure to please.