"A history of Chinese philosophy in the so-called Axial Period (the
period of classical Greek and Indian philosophy), during which time
China evolved the characteristic ways of thought that sustained both its
empire and its culture for over 2000 years. It is comprehensive, lucid,
almost simple in its presentation, yet backed up with incomparable
authority amid a well-honed discretion that unerringly picks out the
core of any theme. Garlanded with tributes even before publication, it
has redrawn the map of its subject and will be the one essential guide
for any future exploration. For anyone interested in the affinities
between ancient Chinese and modern Western philosophy, there is no
better introduction."
--Contemporary Review