Includes bibliographical references (pages 253-264) and indexes.
Contents:
Map of Tang China -- Conventions -- Introduction -- The transformation of medieval elites -- Tomb epitaphs as a historical source -- Chapter One. The bureaucratic aristocracy of medieval China -- Chapter Two. The geography of power -- Chapter Three. Capital elite marriage networks -- Chapter Four. The late Tang provinces -- Chapter Five. Huang Chao and the destruction of the medieval aristocracy -- Appendix A: Guide to the accompanying database -- Appendix B: Estimating the total size of the late Tang capital elite -- Appendix C: Sources of ninth-century excavated epitaphs.
Summary:
"Tackett resolves the enigma of the complete disappearance by the tenth century of the medieval Chinese aristocracy, analyzing a dazzling array of sources to demonstrate that the great Tang aristocratic families were far more successful than previously believed in adapting to the many transformations of the seventh and eighth centuries"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.