The Asian World takes readers through nine centuries of history often punctuated by conquests and conflict-from the rise of Yoritomo, Japan's first shogun, who stripped the Japanese emperor of his power; to the ruthless campaigns of Genghis Khan's Mongol warriors in China; to the mutiny of Korean general Yi Songgye, who proclaimed himself founder of a new dynasty. Despite battles and political clashes, the peoples of Asia created large, stable states that brought eras of peace and prosperity. At the same time, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam attracted believers across the huge continent. The diverse peoples of Asia found much to share, trading goods and spices and tea along the overland networks of the Silk Road or via ships crossing the Indian Ocean, dodging bandits on land and pirates at sea. More important than the exchange of products was the exchange of ideas and inventions such as gunpowder and paper.

Roger V. Des Forges is a Professor of History at Buffalo University.

John S. Major is a Senior Lecturer at the China Institute.