Susan Whitfield is an English historian and librarian specializing in the social and intellectual history of the Tang Dynasty and the history of the Silk Road. Her work involves research and cataloging of Central Asian manuscripts, with a particular interest in identifying forged documents from Dunhuang. Through her role at the British Library and as director of the International Dunhuang Project, she offers deep insights into the history and culture of this pivotal region.
No one knows more about the material culture of the Silk Road than Susan Whitfield. With this book it's now clear that no one tells the story of the early world through objects better than she does. Whitfield carries her readers to the far corners of the earth through her deep and vast research on Silk Road artifacts. - Xinru Liu, author of The Silk Road in World History
The narrative follows Geoffrey Plantagenet, who marries Empress Matilda at just 15, setting the stage for the Plantagenet dynasty. His journey begins in Rouen, where he prepares for knighthood, leading to his tumultuous marriage filled with conflict, particularly with Matilda. Throughout his life, Geoffrey grapples with personal growth, adversaries, and the chaos of his era. This coming-of-age tale is uniquely penned by a direct descendant of Geoffrey, adding a personal touch to the historical drama.
Recounting the lives of ten individuals who lived at different times during this period, this book reconstructs the history of the Silk route through the personal experiences of these characters. It helps readers learn about women's lives, modes of communication, weapons, types of cosmetics, and ways that merchants cheated their customers.