The Silk Road - 9781906876234

This terrific resource brings together recent articles which provide a substantial overview in the growing field of Central Asian studies, particularly with regard to the transmission of Buddhism, the basis and connections of ancient languages, and the meaning and locations of art and architecture. Hansen (Yale U., she also lives and teaches in China) has selected 29 full-length articles by historians that include Jason Neelis, Irene Good, Nicholas Sims-Williams, Christopher Atwood, John Brough, Eric Trombert and Helen Wang. Following an initial section of four chapters on the beginning of the Silk Road, the material is grouped by geographic area, featuring the history of research of the area's languages, archaeology, history of trade and economy, and transmission of Buddhism. Among other topics, multiple chapters are included on the Sogdians, the finds at the Turfan Oasis, and the well-known site of Dunhuang, with individual articles devoted to silk, paper, and money in these areas. Names are often given in both English and Chinese characters. The b&w illustrations are serviceable and there are frequent maps. Global Oriental is an imprint of Brill. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)