Unifier or destroyer, law-maker or tyrant? The First Emperor of China (258-210 BC) has been the subject of debate for over 2,000 years. Frances Wood examines the evidence and reveals the true nature of the man who had himself buried with an army of 7,000 life-size terracotta warriors.

"'Wood's book is [an] introduction to a ruler who has been hailed both as his country's founding father and vilified as a ruthless tyrant.' Sunday Times 'Timely, and as sensible as it is concise.' Independent 'A timely digest of English-language scholarship on the subject.' The Times 'Wry, concise and authoritative.' Times Literary Supplement 'Frances Wood presents a different portrait of The First Emperor of China, offering good reasons why myths of cruelty and megalomania should not be entirely believed.' Metro"

Frances Wood is Head of the Chinese Department at the British Library. She is also the author of, among other books, Did Marco Polo Go to China?, No Dogs and Not Many Chinese: A History of the Treaty Ports and The Silk Road.