The Eternal Army: The Terracotta Army of the First Chinese Emperor

Qin Shi Huangdi's "eternal army" continues to guard the mystery of one of the most controversial figures in history. Arrayed in silent and immobile ranks for 22 centuries, they have remained faithful beyond the grave, as the emperor would have wished. Despite the constantly growing number and exceptional quality of finds in the enormous imperial funeral complex, scholars are still puzzled as to the real personality of the unifier of China. Was he a cruel tyrant, as suggested by historical sources, a crazed megalomaniac, or one of the most capable, innovative and determined rulers in history? And what exactly was the purpose of his impressive buried army? This far-ranging and clearly written book presents the findings of acknowledged experts as they seek to provide answers to the many fascinating questions, placing this exceptional heritage in its historical, archaeological and artist context, retracing the roots of Qin Shi Huangdi's great political design and analyzing the cultural and philosophical panorama of the period before the first unification of China. The Eternal Army not only presents the wholly individualized faces of the great officers, horsemen, archers, and foot soldiers of the terracotta army, but also sketches a revealing portrait of an uncommon man and the nation he managed to create, fulfilling an ancient dream destined to survive unaltered to the present day.

Roberto Ciarla, born in Velletri, Italy, has participated in numerous expeditions in Italy and Asia. Since 1985 he has worked with the Museo Nazionale d'Arte Orientale in Rome as a curator of the East Asian art collections. Araldo de Luca, one of the world's leading art photographers, has published his photographs in White Star's The Treasures of the Pyramids (2003) and Pompeii (2004), among others.