This is a reference book to help people know more about the history of Chinese culture. China has a recorded history of 4,000 years, and Chinese books have taken almost as long a period of time to become what they are today. Since both paper and printing were invented in China, the development of books in China provides a glorious page in the history of mankind. Professor Liu Guojun, the principal author of the book, is an expert on the history of Chinese books. Based on his profound knowledge of history and a wealth of material from the latest archaeological finds, he tells readers about the oracle bone inscriptions; bronze and stone inscriptions; writing on bamboo strips; wooden slats and silk fabrics, as well as the development of book publishing and printing in China. The authors have also included many pictures of archaeological discoveries and significant developments in book production.