The Mongol century : visual cultures of Yuan China, 1271-1368 /

The Yuan Dynasty, often short-changed in Chinese art history courses, is given a new life in this incisive study of the era when invading Mongols expanded the borders of China. One reason this dynasty does not normally receive more consideration by art historians is that the period "style" cannot be defined. The Mongol presence, with its own dynastic problems, resulted in an unrolling of styles. McCausland (School of Oriental and African Studies, Univ. of London, UK) has mined the publications on this short, 100-year dynasty, including contemporary and recent periodical studies, to give a fuller and respectful understanding to this period; he goes deeply into historical events to give readers a rich view of China during this era of foreign occupation. The introduction is a succinct history of the invading and conquering Mongols and a summary of the following seven chapters. These chapters elaborate upon events of the period, including the influences of the Mongol-expanded empire, the establishment of the famous Chinese blue and white ceramics kilns, and the new heights Chinese drama achieved. A list of 159 color illustrations with curatorial data and extensive footnote references. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. --Dale K. Haworth, emeritus, Carleton College