The Ming dynasty was the last great Chinese dynasty before the Manchu conquest in 1644. During that time, China, not Europe, was the centre of the world. The author examines the changing landscape of life over the three centuries of Ming (1368-1644).

Introduction : seasons of the Ming (1609) -- Dramtis personae -- Winter : the first century (1368-1450) -- Spring : the middle century (1450-1550) -- Summer : the last century (1550-1644) -- Fall : the lord of silver (1642-1644).