The period between the fall of the Tang dynasty in 907 and the establishment of the Song in 960 is often dismissed as a bleak chapter in Chinese history, a half-century of national disunity and anarchy. However, while it is true that the north during this time was continually ravaged by attacks from Khitans and Turks, the south enjoyed a time of peace, economic prosperity, and cultural growth. This engaging study by the eminent Sinologist Edward H. Schafer examines the so-called Empire of Min, centered in the coastal and semi-tropical present-day province of Fujian. Professor Schafer describes the geography, government, and political structure of Min, as well as its economy, arts, literature, and religion. As those familiar with the work of Professor Schafer might expect, the interesting economic and political issues of the day are made clear, and its colorful characters and their various machinations come alive. This limited reprinted work incorporates the corrigenda compiled by the author.

◎ 著者简介

薛爱华（Edward Hetzel Schafer，1913-1991），美国著名汉学家， 20 世纪后半期美国中古中国研究的代表人物。1947 年获得哈佛大学东方语言学博士学位，后任教于加州大学伯克利分校。1958 - 1964 年，担任《美国东方学会会刊》（Journal of the American Oriental Society）主编，1974 - 1975 年，担任美国东方学会会长。其代表作包括《闽国》《撒马尔罕的金桃》《朱雀》《珠崖》《神女》等。

◎ 译者简介

程章灿，南京大学文学院教授。1983 年获北京大学历史学学士，1989 年获南京大学文学博士， 2008 年被评为教育部长江学者特聘教授。曾任美国哈佛大学、宾夕法尼亚大学、西雅图华盛顿大学、英国牛津大学高级访问学者，台湾大学客座教授。发表学术著作、译著、论文众多。

侯承相，南京大学文学院古典文献专业博士研究生，英语译者。