The idea for this book was suggested to me several years ago by John Murray, with whom I have had a long and happy association for some quarter of a century. It could not have been written without the help and advice of a number of specialists and institutions. I should like to thank in particular Carol Michaelson of the Oriental Department of the British Museum, an expert on Chinese history and art; also the departmental librarians of the School of Oriental and African Studies of London University for their guidance on the great resources of that library. I am also grateful to Susan Leiper for many valuable comments and for casting a very sharp eye over the proofs. It goes without saying that any outstanding errors are my sole responsibility. I should like to thank Chris Puleston for his excellent drawings that reflect so accurately the art of other ages and cultures. To Stella I remain, as always, grateful for taking on an even larger share than usual of the work in all its stages.
Acknowledgements
