By absorbingly interlacing historical narrative with allegory, Hugh Clark informs us, as no previous author has, of the comprehensive scope and impactful southward expansion of the medieval Chinese civilization-building project. Clark’s book is a must-read for anyone seeking knowledge of the foundations of Chinese identity formation during this pivotal time.”—Don J. Wyatt, John M. McCardell,Jr. Distinguished Professor, Department of History,Middlebury College, USA.