Traces almanacs' links with traditional calendars, astrology, and divination. Examines their importance as indexes of continuity and change, popular hopes and fears, aesthetic preferences, ethical concerns, and symbolic expression from the Tang dynasty to the present day.

1. The Relationship between Calendars and Almanacs -- 2. Qing Dynasty Almanacs -- 3. Chinese Almanacs and Mainland Politics -- 4. Almanacs in Present-day Hong Kong and Taiwan -- 5. Conclusion.