Unifier or destroyer, law-maker or tyrant? Chinaαs First Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi (258-210 BC), has been the subject of debate for over 2,000 years. He gave us the name by which China is known in the West and, by his unification or elimination of six states, he created imperial China. He stressed the rule of law but suppressed all opposition, burning books and burying scholars alive. His military achievements are reflected in the astonishing terracotta soldiers₂a veritable buried army₂that surround his tomb, and his Great Wall still fascinates the world. Despite his achievements, however, the First Emperor has been vilified since his death. This book describes his life and times and reflects the historical arguments over the real founder of China and one of the most important men in Chinese history.

Originally published under title: The first emperor of China. London : Profile, 2007.

Introduction: elephants, steamed duck and warring states -- The heart of a tiger or wolf -- The grand scribe's records and the place of the sleeping tiger -- The cunning councillor -- Cowboys and Indians or Confucianism and legalism -- The height of legal responsibility -- This species of fortification: the Great Wall -- The burning of the books -- Making everything the same -- The supreme forest and the hall of 10,000 guests -- The drugs of immortality -- Seas of mercury, pearl stars and an army of 8,000 men -- The First Emperor and the Great Helmsman.