This book with many illustrations is informative and reader-friendly. Under the framework of the dynasties, this book focuses on a number of topics in each period of time, and endeavors to be as informative as possible with the simplest language. It is true that the book is concise but not superficial, specialized but not dull. The pictures are as important as the texts in the book and they complement each other. Professor Fan Shuzhi said that history gives people insight into everything, gives them wisdom transcending time and space, and enables them to examine the past, the present and the future without being confused by the present. A simple book as it is, it is very informative and instrumental.