Often described as the eighth Wonder of the World, the massive, underground army made from fired clay evokes both awe and curiosity.

Who was this powerful Emperor of the Qin Dynasty who needed these warriors to guard him in the afterlife? From November 2009 through March 2010, National Geographic Museum hosted Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor, an exhibition featuring treasures from the tomb complex including 15 life-size figures, weapons, armor, coins, and more.

This lovely book brings the terra cotta warriors to life. Readers will marvel at the cavalry, archers, and infantry; lowly foot soldiers and high-ranking officers; figures of varying ages, with different hairstyles and unique facial expressions, seemingly representing many ethnic groups in China.

• Hardcover
• 96 pages, 52 color photographs
• 5 3/4 x 7 1/4"
• © 2008

Jane Portal is a senior curator at the British Museum, with responsibility for the Chinese and Korean collections.

Her publications include Chinese Art in Detail, Chinese Love Poetry, Korea: Art and Archaeology and The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army.