This second volume of the history of the Han dynasty consists of chapters dealing principally with the reign of Emperor Wu, one of the most energetic and strong-willed of China's Rulers. Here the historian is chronicling events he has witnessed and writing of the men he personally knows or has known. In Nagano Hozan's (1783-1837) words, "He makes us see in our minds the character of the men of the time, and this is why he is a great historian.: "Burton Watson...possesses all the qualities which distinguish a master translator. As a craftsman and as a poet, he has inspired and challenged two generations." "A master translator of both poetry and prose, Watson has a gift for recreating the intensities of special moments with the greatest economy and directness of language." Burton Watson is a renowned translator of Chinese and Japanese literature and an Adjunct Professor of Chinese and Japanese at Columbia University. His recent translations include Ryokan: Zen-Monk Poet of Japan, Saigyo: Poems of a Mountain Home, and The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry. He lives in Japan.